Pharmaceutical compositions for treating breast cancers and methods of uses thereof

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to the treatment of breast cancer in a subject, and the subject can be either a male or female subject. Including methods of: treating metastatic breast cancer; refractory breast cancer; AR-positive breast cancer; AR-positive refractory breast cancer; AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; triple negative breast cancer; advanced breast cancer; breast cancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), lerociclib, abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib, neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzyme poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/or fulvestrant treatments; metastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; HER2 -positive; treating a subject suffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer and/or treating breast cancer in a subject, by first determining the 18F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (18F-DHT) tumor uptake and identifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on 18F-DHT tumor uptake, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) compound and a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/066,487, filed Oct. 9, 2020, which is a Continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/242,950, filed Jan. 8, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,849,873, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/051,042, filed Jul. 31, 2018; which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/371,104,filed Dec. 6, 2016; now U.S. Pat. No. 10,314,807, which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/075,373,filed Mar. 21, 2016; now U.S. Pat. No. 10,258,596, which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/798,208,filed Jul. 13, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,744,149; which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/293,632,filed Jun. 2, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,622,992; which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/953,492,filed Jul. 29, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,969,683; which is aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/789,005,filed Mar. 7, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,604,916; which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/671,366, filed Jul. 13, 2012 andthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/726,274, filed Nov. 14,2012, which are all incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the treatment of androgen receptor-positivebreast cancer in a subject, for example in a male or a female subject.Accordingly, this invention provides methods of: a) treating a subjectsuffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject suffering frommetastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and/orhuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2); i) treating a subjectsuffering from triple negative breast cancer (TNBC); j) treating asubject suffering from advanced breast cancer; k) treating a subjectsuffering from breast cancer that has failed selective estrogen receptormodulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake; the methods comprise administering to the subjecta therapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Breast cancer is a disease that kills over 45,000 women each year in theUnited States alone. Over 180,000 new cases of breast cancer arediagnosed annually, and it is estimated that one in eight women willdevelop breast cancer. These numbers indicate that breast cancer is oneof the most dangerous diseases facing women today. Breast cancer occursin men as well, but at a much lower incidence. Cancer research has beenunable to determine the cause of breast cancer and has not found asuitable method of therapy or prevention.

Genotyping has long been used to screen women who may be geneticallypredisposed to developing breast cancer. It is another diagnostic orprognostic tool that can be used to determine the availability oftherapies. Certain women are predisposed to develop breast cancer basedon the presence of germline (i.e., inherited) mutations in the breastcancer susceptibility genes (BRCA) type 1 (BRCA1) or BRCA2. A couple ofSERMs, tamoxifen in 1999 and raloxifene in 2007, were approved for theprimary prevention of breast cancer in patient populations that are highrisk based on family history and/or genotype considerations. However,hysterectomy or prophylactic mastectomy was often considered in thesepatients as a more definite preventative. In 2018, olaparib (Lynparza),an inhibitor of the enzyme poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), wasapproved for metastatic ER-positive and HER2-negative breast cancerpatients with certain inherited BRCA mutations who have receivedchemotherapy (and hormone therapy if ER-positive). In 2019, alpelisib(Piqray) (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) withinhibitory activity predominantly against PI3Kα was approved forpatients possessing certain gain-of-function mutations in the geneencoding the catalytic α-subunit of PI3K (PIK3CA). These mutations leadto activation of PI3Kα and Akt-signaling, cellular transformation andthe generation of tumors in in vitro and in vivo models. PI3K inhibitionby alpelisib treatment has been shown to induce an increase in estrogenreceptor (ER) transcription in breast cancer cells. The combination ofalpelisib and fulvestrant demonstrated increased antitumor activitycompared to either treatment alone in xenograft models derived fromER-positive, PIK3CA mutated breast cancer cell lines. PIK3CA mutationsare present in about 30-40% of breast cancer tumors and most prevalentin ER-positive patients.

The standard of care currently includes screening the tumor for theexpression levels of the hormone receptors, estrogen receptor (ER) andprogesterone receptor (PR), and the human epidermal growth factorreceptor 2 (HER2) kinase. Currently, a woman diagnosed with breastcancer may be treated preliminarily with surgery, chemotherapy (optionalin some cases), and radiation before targeted therapy is initiated.Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers are susceptible to hormonetherapies (also referred to as endocrine therapies) with selectiveestrogen receptor modulators or SERMs (e.g., tamoxifen, toremifene,raloxifene), aromatase inhibitors or AI's (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole,exemestane), or selective estrogen receptor degraders or SERDs (e.g.,fulvestrant). Hormone therapies such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonists (typically used in pre- and peri-menopausal women) andaromatase inhibitors (AI) (typically used in post-menopausal women ortogether with GnRH agonists in pre- or peri-menopausal women) blockproduction of estrogens in the body, whereas SERMs and SERDs block theproliferative action of estrogens on the breast cancer cells. While theprognosis of most early-stage ER-positive breast cancer patients isrelatively good compared to non-hormonal cancers, adjuvant hormonetherapy failures do occur resulting in recurrence, including distantmetastases (i.e, advanced breast cancer). Metastatic or advanced breastcancer, whether hormone naïve or progressive despite endocrine therapy,is often still ER-positive and still dependent on the ER axis forgrowth. The treatment of advanced breast cancer is rapidly evolving fromthe use of an endocrine monotherapy such as SERM or AI or fulvestrant,to combinations of an endocrine therapy with recently approved kinaseinhibitors, including the cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitors (palbociclib (approved 2015), ribociclib (approved 2017), orabemaciclib (approved 2017), trilaciclib, lerociclib), or mechanistictarget of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor (everolimus (approved 2012)). Thesecombination therapies delay progression of advanced breast cancercompared to endocrine therapy alone and are supplanting the use ofendocrine therapy alone in late breast cancer.

Herein, we propose the use of tumor genotyping (deep DNA sequencing) asa means to determine the mutation status of the estrogen receptor in abreast cancer patient as basis for rational selection of therapies.Certain common mutations of the estrogen receptor alpha can be treatmentemergent and confer resistance to the approved endocrine therapies evenwhen combined with various kinase therapies as discussed above. We havediscovered at least one mutation (e.g., Y537S) described herein whichdespite SERM, AI, and fulvestrant resistance is still sensitive to theandrogen agonists of this invention. Consequently, even late-stageER-positive AR-positive breast cancer patients which have been exposedto the full endocrine- and directed-therapy milieu may still havefurther hormonal treatment options before being relegated tochemotherapies. If screening reveals certain ER mutants then theirtreatment can be personalized to include the use of SARMs to delayprogression of the disease and/or regress tumors.

HER2-positive breast cancers are susceptible to HER2 kinase inhibitors(e.g., trastuzumab, lapatinib, and neratinib) and are generally used inmetastatic disease. Anti-angiogenic therapy (bevacizumab) was alsoapproved in metastatic disease, but the FDA removed this for bevacizumabin 2011. Despite these multiple tiers of targeted treatments, patientsoften have or develop refractory forms of breast cancer. Examples ofrefractory breast cancer include primary tumors which aretriple-negative (lacking ER, PR, HER2), hormone resistant (SERM-, SERD-,or AI-resistant), or kinase inhibitor resistant (e.g., inhibitors of CDK4/6, mTor, and/or HER2), or metastatic breast cancer tumors. Once theall the targeted therapies fail e.g., metastatic tumors are re-activatedor tumors further metastasize, radiation and high dose chemotherapy arerequired to ablate the refractory breast cancer tumors. Currentchemotherapies available for the treatment of refractory breast cancerinclude anthracyclines, taxanes, and epothilones, which are toxic,dangerous, costly, and often are ineffective, especially in thetreatment of metastatic disease.

Abundant clinical evidence suggests that androgens normally inhibitbreast growth. For instance, women with androgen deficits have anincreased risk for developing breast cancer. Androgen signaling plays acrucial role in breast homeostasis, negating the proliferative effectsof estrogen signaling in the breast. However, when steroidal androgensbiotransform into estrogens (via aromatase pathway), they increase cellproliferation and mammary carcinogenesis risk. Historically, thesteroidal androgen receptor agonists testosterone, fluoxymesterone, andcalusterone were used in advanced breast cancer. These agents sufferedfrom side effects such as excessive virilization, cross-reactivity withthe estrogen receptor, and aromatization to estrogens. The use ofsteroidal androgens in advanced breast cancer pre-dates the screening ofbreast cancers for hormone and kinase receptors. Recently, it was foundthat the AR is expressed in 50-90% of breast tumors, providing amechanism to use androgens as targeted therapy for AR-positive breastcancers.

Although the majority of breast cancers are considered hormonereceptor-positive (ER, PR, or HER2), 15-20% of women diagnosed withbreast cancer will have Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) which ischaracterized by a lack of expression of ER, PR, or HER2. TNBC occursmore frequently in younger patients (<50 years of age) and generallyshows a more aggressive behavior. For those patients with advanced TNBC,standard palliative treatment options are limited to cytotoxicchemotherapy. However, even after initial response to chemotherapy, theduration of the response may be short and there is a higher likelihoodof visceral metastases, rapidly progressive disease, and inferiorsurvival compared to hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Therefore,research is focused on identifying therapeutic targets in TNBC. One suchtarget is the androgen receptor (AR). The AR is the most highlyexpressed steroid receptor in breast cancer with up to 95% ofER-positive breast cancers expressing AR (see Example 9 infra). In TNBC,up to 30% of cancers may express AR. Historically, AR has beenconsidered anti-proliferative and beneficial in hormone receptorpositive breast cancers. In TNBC, data demonstrates that the presence ofAR and androgen synthesizing enzymes is associated with lowerproliferation, lower tumor grade, better overall survival, and morefavorable clinical outcomes as compared to those patients with TNBC notexpressing AR. Evidence also suggests that the AR target gene prostatespecific antigen (PSA) is a favorable prognostic marker in breast cancer(not just TNBC). Based on these findings, research is focused on AR as apotential therapeutic target.

Prolonged treatment of cancers with estrogen synthesis inhibitors (AI orGnRH agonists) or ER antagonists (SERMs or SERDs) results in mutationsin the target protein and activation of resistance pathways. Forexample, continued treatment of ER-positive breast cancers with ERantagonists or aromatase inhibitors (AI) results in resistance due tomutations in the ER ligand binding domain (LBD). Clinical studies haveestimated that over 30% of breast cancers treated with tamoxifen becomerefractory and recur as a resistant cancer and over 40% of recurrentbreast cancers express mutated ER. Treatment emergent mutant ERs haveescaped inhibition of the hormonal axis fail to respond to endocrinetherapy and, consequently, these patients will need to be treated withchemotherapeutic agents. Such cancers require new non- or less-toxiceffective endocrine therapies. One possibility is the pharmacogenomicscreening of tumors or circulating tumor cells for the present of mutantERs that would confer resistance to current endocrine therapies. Thiscould be done upon molecular phenotyping as ER-positive (i.e., earlydisease) or, alternatively, in patients that have failed endocrinetherapies (i.e, late disease) such as SERM, AI, SERD and/or GnRH agonistwhether or not combined with CDK 4/6 or mTor inhibitors.

Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are compounds whichdemonstrate AR-mediated tissue selective activity. Unlike theirsteroidal precursors, SARMs are non-aromatizable, generally demonstrateno activity at other steroidal receptors including ER and PR, and arenon-virilizing. Further, SARMs may be beneficial in refractory breastcancer patients due to their hypermyoanabolic effects that shouldimprove their tolerance of high-dose chemotherapy. Further, SARMs havebeneficial osteoblastic and anti-osteoclastic effects in bones that maydecrease the risk of metastasis to the bones or may decrease risk ofosteoporosis during endocrine and/or chemotherapies.

New innovative approaches are urgently needed at both the basic scienceand clinical levels to develop compounds which are useful for: a)treating a subject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subjectsuffering from metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject sufferingfrom refractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; and/or p) prolonging progression-freesurvival of a subject with breast cancer; q) treating, preventing,suppressing or inhibiting AR-positive triple negative breast cancer; r)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; s)treating a subject suffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer, t)treating a subject suffering from Y537S ER mutant expressing breastcancer; and/or u) treating breast cancer in a subject, by firstdetermining the ¹⁸F-16□-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumoruptake and identifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancerbased on ¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, this invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) compound and acyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor, wherein said SARMcompound is represented by a structure of formula I:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl, or OH;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

R₂ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, or SR;

R₃ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, Sn(R)₃, or R₃together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a fusedring system represented by the structure:

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

n is an integer of 1-4; and

m is an integer of 1-3, or

an optical isomer, a racemic mixture, a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, a pharmaceutical product, a hydrate, an N-oxide, or a crystalthereof.

In some embodiments, the SARM compound of the composition of theinvention is represented by a structure of formula VIII, IX, X, XI, XII,XIII, or XIV:

In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising compound IX, or an optical isomer, a racemic mixture, apharmaceutically acceptable salt, a pharmaceutical product, a hydrate,an N-oxide, or a crystal thereof, and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor,

In some embodiments of the composition of the invention, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is palbociclib, ribociclib, trilaciclib, lerociclib orabemaciclib. In certain embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor ispalbociclib.

In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising compound IX, or an optical isomer, a racemic mixture, apharmaceutically acceptable salt, a pharmaceutical product, a hydrate,an N-oxide, or a crystal thereof and palbociclib,

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for treating asubject suffering from breast cancer, comprising administering to saidsubject a pharmaceutical composition of the invention as describedherein.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the breast cancer isan AR-positive breast cancer, ER-positive breast cancer, triple negativebreast cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer, advanced breast cancer,refractory breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, or breast cancerthat has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen,toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist(goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole,exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor(palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), trilaciclib, abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments.

In some embodiments, the breast cancer has failed treatment with acyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor. In some embodiments,the subject in the method of the invention is resistant ornon-responsive to the CDK 4/6 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the CDK4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali),trilaciclib, lerociclib or abemaciclib (Vorzenio). In certainembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance).

In some embodiments, the composition of the invention as describedherein re-sensitizes said breast cancer to treatment with CDK 4/6inhibitors. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention asdescribed herein overcomes estrogen endocrine resistance. In someembodiments, the composition of the invention as described hereinovercomes resistance to estrogen endocrine and CDK 4/6 inhibitorco-therapy. In some embodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includesat least one of tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene, exemestane,letrozole, anastrozole, and fulvestrant. In some embodiments of themethod of the invention, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is at least one ofpalbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), trilaciclib, lerociclib,and abemaciclib (Vorzenio).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification.The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation,together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best beunderstood by reference to the following detailed description when readwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A-FIG. 1J illustrate that DHT and a compound of Formula IX inhibitMDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cell growth. FIG. 1A showsMDA-MB-231 cell expression of AR following transfection. FIG. 1B showsthe IC₅₀ in AR-positive MDA-MB-231 cells. FIG. 1C-FIG. 1J show theeffects of DHT, Formula IX, bicalutamide and the (R) enantiomer ofFormula IX on percent (%) cell survival. (FIG. 1C, FIG. 1E, FIG. 1G andFIG. 1I cells were treated in charcoal stripped FBS. FIG. 1D, FIG. 1F,FIG. 1H and FIG. 1J cells were treated in full serum). • MDA-MB-231 withlacZ; ∘ MDA-MB-231 with AR 200 μL; ▴ MDA-MB-231 with AR 500 μL.

FIG. 2A-FIG. 2H illustrate that DHT and Formula IX inhibit HCC-38 triplenegative breast cancer cell growth. FIG. 2A shows HCC-38 cell expressionof AR following transfection. FIG. 2B shows the IC₅₀ in AR-positiveHCC-38 cells. FIG. 2A-FIG. 2H show the effects of DHT, Formula IX andBicalutamide on percent (%) cell survival. (FIG. 2C, FIG. 2E and FIG. 2Gcells were treated in charcoal stripped FBS. FIG. 2D, FIG. 2F and FIG.2H cells were treated in full serum). • HCC-38 with lacZ; ∘ HCC-38 withAR 200 μL; ▴ HCC-38 with AR 500 μL.

FIG. 3A-FIG. 3E illustrate that the effect of DHT and Formula IX onMDA-MB-231 cells was reversed by bicalutamide. FIG. 3A-FIG. 3D show theeffects of DHT or Formula IX in the presence or absence of bicalutamide,on percent (%) cell survival. (FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C cells were treated incharcoal stripped FBS. FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D cells were treated in fullserum). • lacZ and with 10 μM bicalutamide; ∘ lacZ; ▴ AR with 10 μMbicalutamide; Δ AR. FIG. 3E shows IC₅₀ values in AR-positive cells inthe presence or absence of pretreatment with bicalutamide.

FIG. 4A-FIG. 4Q illustrate that AR agonists inhibit triple negativebreast cancer cell growth. FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 4E, FIG. 4F, FIG. 4G,FIG. 4H, FIG. 4K, FIG. 4L, FIG. 4M, FIG. 4N, FIG. 4O and FIG. 4P showeffect of AR agonists on percent (%) cell survival. FIG. 4C and FIG. 4Dshow the effect of AR antagonist on percent (%) cell survival. FIG. 4Iand FIG. 4J show the effect of AR non-binder on percent (%) cellsurvival. FIG. 4A, FIG. 4C, FIG. 4E, FIG. 4G, FIG. 4I, FIG. 4M and FIG.4O cells were treated in charcoal stripped FBS. FIG. 4B, FIG. 4D, FIG.4F, FIG. 4H, FIG. 4J, FIG. 4L, FIG. 4N and FIG. 4P cells were treated infull serum. FIG. 4Q shows EC₅₀ and IC₅₀ values in AR-positive cells.

FIG. 5 illustrates that growth inhibitory ligands are AR agonists inMDA-MB-231 cells.

FIG. 6A-FIG. 6E illustrate that growth inhibitory effects in MDA-MB-231cells are selective to AR. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show the expression ofERα or ERβ in MDA-MB-231 cells following transfection, respectively.FIG. 6C, FIG. 6D and FIG. 6E show the effects of estradiol (E2) or ICI182,780 (ICI) on percent (%) cell survival. (FIG. 6C cells were treatedin charcoal stripped serum. FIG. 6D and FIG. 6E cells were treated infull serum).

FIG. 7 shows DHT alters the morphology of MDA-MB-231 cells.

FIG. 8 illustrates the effect of Formula VIII on steroid receptortransactivation (agonist mode).

FIG. 9 depicts a dose response curve of PR activity (antagonist mode)for compound of Formula VIII, Formula IX, R-enantiomer of Formula IX andRU486. The closed circles (•) correspond to Formula VIII data points(IC₅₀=17.05 nM); open circles (∘) correspond to Formula IX (IC₅₀=162.9nM); closed triangles (▾) correspond to R-enantiomer of Formula IX(IC₅₀=1689 nM); and open triangles (Δ) correspond to RU486 (IC₅₀=0.048nM).

FIG. 10A-FIG. 10B demonstrate that SARM (Formula VIII) inhibitsMDA-MB-231-AR tumor growth. Body weight (10A) and tumor size (10B) weremeasured for 35 days in intact female nude mice having 150-200 mm³tumors from MDA-MB-231-AR triple negative breast cancer cells and thenorally administered vehicle (

) or 30 mg/kg of Formula VIII (•).

FIG. 11 demonstrates that SARM (Formula VIII) inhibits MDA-MB-231-ARtumor growth. Tumor size in mm³ (left pane) and % change in tumor size(middle pane), as well as tumor weight (right pane) were measured after35 days in intact female nude mice having 150-200 mm³ tumors fromMDA-MB-231-AR triple negative breast cancer cells and then receivingoral administration of vehicle or 30 mg/kg of Formula VIII.

FIG. 12 demonstrates the morphology of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cellsstably transfected with AR (MDA-MB-231-AR cells). The results indicatethat AR agonists, DHT, Formula IX, and Formula VIII altered themorphology into a more anchored phenotype compared to vehicle,bicalutamide or an inactive isomer of Formula IX. This may be indicativeof a less metastatic breast cancer phenotype.

FIG. 13A-FIG. 13C demonstrate binding and transactivation of theindicated ligands to HEK-293 (13A) or MDA-MB-231 (13B & 13C) cells. DHT,Formula IX and Formula VIII are agonists of AR in breast cancer cells.(Example 16)

FIG. 14 demonstrates anti-proliferative activity of DHT and SARMs inMDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells stably transfected with AR. MDA-MB-231cells stably transfected with AR using lentivirus were treated with theindicated ligands for 6 days and the number of cells counted usingCoulter counter. DHT and SARMs (VIII and IX), but not the AR antagonist,bicalutamide, inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 triple negativebreast cancer cells stably transfected with AR.

FIG. 15 presents microarray results showing that activated AR (ARactivated by compound of Formula VIII) suppressed the expression of moregenes than it induced in MDA-MB-231-AR xenograft breast cancer cells.

FIG. 16 depicts validation of microarray results.

FIG. 17 illustrates that Formula VIII inhibited the growth of MCF-7-ARtriple positive xenograft.

FIG. 18 presents inhibition of uterus weight gain in estrogensupplemented animals treated with Formula VIII, demonstrating theability of a SARM to counteract estrogenic stimuli in vivo.

FIG. 19 shows that the AR expression pattern in response to anAR-agonist (Formula VIII) is similar to that observed in prostate cancercells.

FIG. 20 depicts validation of microarray results.

FIG. 21 demonstrates up-regulation of JNK phosphorylation in MCF7-ARtumors using Formula VIII.

FIG. 22 shows inhibition of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) growthusing Formulae VIII and IX. Formula VIII and Formula IX demonstrated˜85% TGI at all doses tried (5, 10 mg per kg for Formula VIII; 5, 10, 30mg per kg for Formula IX) in the TNBC model using MDA-MB-231-AR cells innude mice.

FIG. 23 demonstrates inhibition of triple negative breast cancer usingFormulae VIII and IX. The tumor weights were likewise reduced for alldoses of Formula VIII and Formula IX. Spleen enlargement (680 mg vs.200-300 mg for normal mice) was seen only in vehicle treated mice,possibly indicative of prevention by the SARMs of tumor metastasis tothe spleen.

FIG. 24 shows increased body weight by the SARMs at all doses of FormulaVIII and Formula IX, indicative of healthy growth and a lack oftoxicity. By comparison, the vehicle treated animals did not grow asrobustly.

FIG. 25A-FIG. 25E depict antagonism by SARM regarding the ability ofestradiol to activate ER target genes in MCF-7-AR cells. FIG. 25B andFIG. 25D show that adding AR (as opposed to Green Fluorescent Protein(GFP) as seen in FIGS. 25A and 25C) to MCF-7-AR cells increases theeffects of estradiol (when unopposed) on the ER target genes PR and PS2,respectively. Adding AR to MCF-7-AR cells suppressed the activation ofthese ER targets in the presence of SARM alone or SARM+estradiol (E2) ascompared to GFP transfected cells (i.e. no AR; FIG. 25A and FIG. 25C).FIG. 25E shows that AR target genes are enhanced by SARM even in thepresence of estradiol.

FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B depict immunohistochemistry of two regions of thesame BR-0001 tumor, a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). They showthat AR expression is consistent throughout this formalin-fixed,paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue stained with AR antibody (AR N20 fromSCBT). FIG. 26C depicts immunohistochemistry staining of an AR-negativeTNBC FFPE tumor as a negative control.

FIG. 27A-FIG. 27C depict BR-0001 tumor xenograft growth inhibition byFormula IX compared to enzalutamide (Enza) or vehicle in terms of breastcancer tumor volume (FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B) and weight (FIG. 27C) withtime. Experiments 1 and 2 were duplicate experiments run at differenttimes with n=5 and n=10 animals, respectively. FIG. 27A provides resultsfor Experiment 1, FIG. 27B provides results for Experiment 2 and FIG.27C provides results for Experiment 2. BR-0001 TNBC fragments of 1 mm³(approximately) were implanted subcutaneously in NOD scid gamma (NSG)mice. Once the tumors reach 100-200 mm³, the animals were randomized andtreated with vehicle, 10 mg/kg/day Formula IX or enzalutamide orally.Tumor volume was measured thrice weekly. Animals were sacrificed andtumors were weighed.

FIG. 28A-FIG. 28B depict immunohistochemistry of BR-0001 tumors fromanimals treated with vehicle or Formula IX and stained for Ki-67. Ki-67was reduced in tumors of animals treated with Formula IX. Quantificationof Ki-67 indicated an approximately 50% reduction in Ki-67 staining in 2weeks of treatment. Tumors from experiment 2 were fixed in formalin andparaffin embedded. Slides were cut and stained with Ki-67 antibody (FIG.28A), Ki-67 staining was reduced in tumors of animals treated withFormula IX. Ki-67 positive cells in each slide (total of 200 cells perview) were counted and represented as % stained cells (FIG. 28B). As areference, inset into the graphics are bars which are 200 microns (m) inlength.

FIG. 29 depicts Z-scores of 50 genes (PAM50) used to identify BR-0001.PAM50 is a set of 50 genes used to classify breast cancers. PAM50 geneexpression data indicated that the BR-0001 tumor belonged to basal-likebreast cancer (BLBC) subtype of TNBC. The expression (Z-score) of 50genes required to classify the breast cancer is given here.

FIG. 30A and FIG. 30B depict gene expression data which is compared tothe genes published (Pietenpol group) as useful to classify theBasal-Like Breast Cancer (BLBC) into subclassification.Sub-classification indicated that BR-0001 belonged to luminal androgenreceptor (LAR) and mesenchymal stem-like (MSL) subtypes. The six TNBCsubtypes according to the Pietenpol group include two basal-like (BL1and BL2), an immunomodulatory (IM), a mesenchymal (M), a mesenchymalstem-like (MSL), and a luminal androgen receptor (LAR) subtype. GE—geneexpression.

FIG. 31 depicts gene expression changes in BR-0001 tumors treated withFormula IX.

FIG. 32 depicts reduced tumor growth of ER-positive, PR-positive,HER2-positive and AR-positive tumors composed of HCI-007 cells usingFormula IX.

FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B depict potent tumor growth reduction using FormulaIX in xenografts composed of HCI-013 cells. HCI-013 phenotype is atriple positive and also expresses AR. FIG. 33A: tumor volume changes(%) and FIG. 33B: tumor weight (g).

FIG. 34A-FIG. 34E depict that AR agonists inhibited proliferation of ER-and AR-positive breast cancer cells. FIG. 34A depicts that Formula IXinhibited the proliferation of ZR-75-1 cells. ZR-75-1 breast cancercells plated in growth medium (n=4/treatment) were treated withindicated doses of Formula IX for 6 days, with medium changed andre-treated on day 3. After 6 days of treatment, cells were harvested,and the number of cells was counted. FIG. 34B depicts that Formula IXinhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells expressing AR. MCF-7 cells stablytransfected with GFP (MCF-7-GFP) or the AR (MCF-7-AR) were plated in 96well plates in growth medium (n=4/treatment) and treated with theindicated doses of Formula IX. Medium was changed after 3 days andre-treated. Cells were fixed after 6 days of treatment and the cellviability was measured by SRB assay. FIG. 34C depicts that breast cancerfibroblasts treated with AR agonists secreted factors that inhibitedMCF-7-GFP cells lacking supplemented AR. Primary fibroblasts obtainedfrom a breast cancer patient were cultured in growth medium and weretreated in triplicates with vehicle, 10 nM DHT, 1 μM enzalutamide, or 1μM Formula IX. Medium was changed, and the cells were re-treated on days4 and 7. Medium was collected, pooled from triplicates, and stored in−80° C. After 10 days of treatment, cells were fixed, and cell viabilitywas measured using SRB. MCF-7 cells stably transfected with GFP(MCF-7-GFP) were plated in growth medium. Twenty-four hours afterplating, cells were fed with the conditioned medium obtained frompatient-derived fibroblasts as indicated above. Cells were fed for 10days with conditioned medium, with medium changed on days 4 and 7. After10 days of treatment, cells were fixed, and the viability was measuredby SRB assay. FIG. 34D depicts that AR ligands did not inhibit growth ofER-negative AR-positive HCI-9 PDX. AR-positive, but ER-negative HCI-9PDX was surgically implanted as 1 mm³ fragments under the mammary fatpad in NSG mice (n=8-10/group). Once the tumors reached 100-200 mm³, themice were randomized and treated with vehicle (DMSO:PEG-300 (15%:85%)),Formula IX (10 mpk p.o.), or enzalutamide (30 mpk p.o.). Tumor volumewas measured thrice weekly. FIG. 34E depicts that HCI-13 ER-α wasresistant to ER antagonists fulvestrant and tamoxifen (right pane)compared to wt-ER-α (left pane). ER-α from HCI-13 was cloned into pCR3.1vector. Wildtype ER-α and HCI-13 ER-α, ERE-LUC, and CMV-LUC weretransfected into COS-1 cells using lipofectamine. Cells were treated 24hours after transfection with vehicle, 0.1 nM estradiol, 10 nMfulvestrant or 1 μM tamoxifen in combination with 0.1 nM estradiol.Twenty four hours after treatment cells were harvested and luciferaseassay was performed. ER antagonists in wt-ER-α were significantlydifferent than vehicle-treated wt-ER-α as depicted by *p<0.05.AR-androgen receptor; GFP-green fluorescent protein;DHT-5α-dihydrotestosterone; E2-17β-estradiol; ER-estrogen receptor;SARM-selective androgen receptor modulator; SRB-sulforhodamine B;mpk-milligram per kilogram body weight. Values are expressed as average±S.E. from n=3-4/data point.

FIG. 35A-FIG. 35D depict that AR agonists inhibited proliferation andgrowth of wildtype and mutant ER and AR-positive xenografts. FIG. 35Adepicts that protein from HCI PDX (HCI-7, 9, or 13) tumor fragments wasextracted and fractionated on a SDS-PAGE, and Western blotted for theAR. AR was also quantified at mRNA level and expressed as fold changefrom LNCaP prostate cancer cell AR (numbers provided under the blot).FIG. 35B (same as FIG. 32) and FIG. 35C depict that Formula IX inhibitedHCI-7 tumor growth. AR-positive HCI-7 PDX expressing wildtype ER wassurgically implanted as 1 mm³ fragments under the mammary fat pad in NSGmice (n=8-10/group). Once the tumors reached 100-200 mm³, the mice wererandomized and treated with vehicle (DMSO:PEG-300 (15%:85%)), Formula IX(10 mpk p.o.), or enzalutamide (30 mpk p.o.). Tumor volume was measuredweekly. At sacrifice, tumors were removed, weighed (FIG. 35C), andstored for further analysis. FIG. 35D depicts that MCF-7 cells (3million cells/mouse) stably expressing AR (MCF-7-AR) were implantedsubcutaneously in ovariectomized mice supplemented with 17β-estradiol(n=8/group). Once the tumors reached 100-200 mm³, the mice wererandomized and treated with vehicle or Formula IX (10 mpk p.o.). Tumorvolume was measured twice weekly. *=p<0.05; HCI-Huntsman CancerInstitute; AR-androgen receptor; ER-estrogen receptor; NSG-NOD SCIDGamma; PDX-patient-derived xenograft; OVX-ovariectomy; PR-progesteronereceptor; mpk-milligram per kilogram body weight.

FIG. 36A-FIG. 36K depict that AR agonists inhibited proliferation andgrowth of mutant ER and AR-positive xenografts. FIG. 36A depicts thatthe growth of HCI-13 PDX was not dependent on circulating estrogens.HCI-13 PDX tumor fragments were surgically implanted as 1 mm³ fragmentsunder the mammary fat pad in NSG mice (n=6/group) that were shamoperated or ovariectomized. Tumor volume was measured weekly. FIG. 36Band FIG. 36C depict that AR agonist (Formula IX) inhibited growth ofHCI-13 PDX. AR-positive HCI-13 PDX expressing mutant ER was surgicallyimplanted as 1 mm³ fragments under the mammary fat pad in NSG mice(n=8-10/group). Once the tumors reached 100-200 mm³, the mice wererandomized and treated with vehicle (DMSO:PEG-300 (15%:85%)) or FormulaIX (10 mpk p.o.). Tumor volume was measured weekly. At sacrifice, tumorswere removed, weighed (FIG. 36C), and stored for further analysis. FIG.36D-FIG. 36G depict that AR agonists, but not AR- or ER-antagonists,inhibited ER-target genes in HCI-13 ex vivo sponge culture. HCI-13tumors (1 mm³) were cultured on gelatin sponges (n=3/group; each n wasobtained by pooling 5 fragments) in growth medium. Tissues were treatedwith vehicle, 10 nM DHT, 1 μM Formula IX, 1 μM enzalutamide, or 100 nMfulvestrant for three days. RNA was extracted from the tissues andexpression of genes was measured by real time PCR and normalized toGAPDH. FIG. 36H-FIG. 36J depict the effect of Formula IX on ER-positivebreast cancer patient specimens. Breast cancer specimens obtained frompatients were cultured on gelatin sponges (n=1; each n was obtained from5 tumor fragments). Tissues were treated with vehicle, 1 μM Formula IX,or 100 nM fulvestrant for three days. RNA was extracted from the tissuesand expression of genes was measured by real time PCR and normalized toGAPDH. Table in FIG. 36K denotes the fold difference in the expressionof AR and ER at the mRNA level compared to HCI-13 tumors. *=p<0.05;HCI-Huntsman Cancer Institute; AR-androgen receptor; ER-estrogenreceptor; NSG-NOD SCID Gamma; PDX-patient-derived xenograft; MKI67-mRNAof Ki67 proliferative index protein; OVX-ovariectomy; PR-progesteronereceptor; mpk-milligram per kilogram body weight.

FIG. 37A-FIG. 37H depict a gene expression study in HCI-13 PDX thatindicated the inhibition of the ER pathway by an AR agonist. RNA wasisolated from HCI-13 PDX xenografts treated with vehicle or Formula IX(FIG. 36B-FIG. 36C) and microarray was performed (n=4/group). Genes thatwere different in Formula IX treated group (q<0.05) are represented inthe heatmap (upper ⅕ of the left column (vehicle-treated) of the heatmapis predominantly upregulated (originally red) whereas lowered ⅘ ofheatmap is predominantly downregulated (originally green); in contrast,the Formula IX treated column is just the opposite (green at top and redat bottom).) (FIG. 37A). Log fold change in expression with top up- anddown-regulated genes was expressed in panel FIG. 37B. Canonical pathway,upstream regulators, and diseases represented by the enriched genesobtained from Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were shown in panel FIG.37C. Representative ER- and AR-target genes and the most up- anddown-regulated genes were shown in panel FIG. 37D-FIG. 37G. FIG. 37Hdepicts that the GSEA KEGG pathway analysis provided ERBB2 (ERBB isabbreviated from erythroblastic oncogene B; also frequently called HER2(from human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) or HER2/neu) pathway asone of the highly correlated pathway with Formula IX treatment (bottomfour rows in the left column (vehicle treated) are downregulated genes(blue in the original color) whereas most of the rows are upregulatedgenes (red in the original color); in contrast, Formula IX treatedcolumn (right) is just the opposite). *=q<0.05; ER-estrogen receptor;AR-androgen receptor; PDX-patient-derived xenograft; GSEA-gene setenrichment analysis; KEGG-Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes.

FIG. 38A-FIG. 38H depict that ChIP-Sequencing showed rearrangement of ERand AR binding to the DNA. FIG. 38A depicts that chromatinimmunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed with ER in tumors treatedwith vehicle (n=4) or 10 mg/kg/day Formula IX (n=3) or AR (n=1) (tumorsfrom animals shown in FIG. 36B-FIG. 36C). Next-generation sequencing wasperformed to determine the genome-wide binding of ER and AR to the DNA.Heatmap of significantly different peaks (q<0.05 for ER andcorresponding AR peaks) is shown. The top enriched motifs are shown inFIG. 38H. FIG. 38B shows representative peaks from KLK3 regulatoryregions from ER and AR ChIP-Seq. FIG. 38C shows Principal ComponentAnalysis (PCA) plot of vehicle- and Formula IX-treated samples thatcorresponds to ER-ChIP peaks. FIG. 38D depicts that ChIP assay wasperformed with AR or ER antibody in HCI-13 specimens treated withvehicle or Formula IX and real time PCR was performed with the primersand Taqman probe to the specified regions. FIG. 38E depicts pie chartsshowing the distribution of ER enrichment in Formula IX-treated HCI-13samples. For downregulated sites (left pie), ‘distal regulatory regions’represent 56%, introns 38%, exons 5%, and promoters 2%. For enrichedsites (right pie), ‘distal regulatory proteins’ represent 53%, introns36%, exons 8%, and promoters 3%. FIG. 38F depicts Venn diagrams showingthe overlap between depleted FOXA1RE and ERE regions and enriched ARE,GRE, and FOXA1RE. FIG. 38G depicts that SRC-1 interacted with both ARand ER in response to Formula IX. Protein extracts from HCI-13 tumorsamples treated with vehicle or Formula IX were immunoprecipitated withAR or ER antibodies and Western blot for SRC-1 was performed.AR-androgen receptor; ER-estrogen receptor; ChIP-chromatinimmunoprecipitation; ARE-androgen response elements; ERE-estrogenresponse element; GRE-glucocorticoid response elements; SRC-1- steroidreceptor coactivator-1, FOXA1RE-Forkhead box A1 response element. FIG.38H depicts up-regulated motifs (ER).

FIG. 39 depicts colocalization of AR and ER-α in luminal B breast cancerspecimens.

FIG. 40 depicts representative ChIP Seq peaks in the regulated regionsof genes. The peaks are color coded with the top panel beingpredominantly upregulated (red), whereas the 2^(nd) from top panel isdownregulated (blue), 3^(rd) panel from top (CERS3) is downregulatedexcept for the last line (IX (AR)), and bottom panel (miR4471) is alsodownregulated except for the last line (IX (AR)).

FIG. 41A-FIG. 41E depict a phospho-proteome analysis of HCI-13 PDX.

FIG. 41A-FIG. 41C depict that lysates from HCI-13 tumor specimens (n=4)from PDX (as shown in FIG. 36B-FIG. 36C) were printed ontonitrocellulose coated slides. Arrays were probed with a total of 174antibodies targeting a wide range of protein kinases and theiractivation via phosphorylation. Arrays were stained with an anti-rabbitor anti-mouse biotinylated secondary antibody. The signals wereamplified and a streptavidin-conjugated IRDye680 were used as secondarysignal detection agents. Images were acquired and quantified. FIG.41D-FIG. 41E depict that activation of PKC overcame inhibition byFormula IX. HCI-13 tissues fragments were cultured on gelatin spongesand were treated with 100 nM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or100 ng/mL EGF 30 minutes before addition of 1 μM Formula IX. EGF wastreated twice daily due to its shorter stability. Tissues were harvestedafter 3 days of treatment, RNA isolated, and expression of various geneswas measured by real time PCR. *p<0.05 from vehicle-treated samples;#p<0.05 from Formula IX-treated samples. n=3/group (each sample isobtained from 5 individual fragments. PMA-phorbol 12-myristate13-acetate; EGF-epidermal growth factor; PDX-patient derived xenografts;HCI-Huntsman Cancer Institute.

FIG. 42 shows a model depicting the regulation of ER function by ARagonist.

FIG. 43A and FIG. 43B present baseline[¹⁸F]-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (FDHT) SUVmax (FDHT uptake)versus AR. FIG. 43A depicts that baseline FDHT uptake (baselineFDHT-SUVmax) was higher for AR positive (n=7) status versus AR negative(n=2) status tumors as determined by biopsy. ND-AR status notdetermined; UNK—is unknown AR status. FIG. 43B depicts the correlationbetween baseline SUVmax and AR levels as determined by biopsy. Thecorrelation is 0.41 (p-value=0.27). Excluding one outlier (shown in thefigure at AR=64,1946 and Baseline SUVmax=1), a trend for higher baselineFDHT SUVmax was seen with higher quantitative AR expression levels(r=0.71, p=0.046).

FIGS. 44A and 44B present the correlation of baseline FDHT uptake(baseline FDHT-SUVmax) with best response (clinical benefit (CB) or noCB). FIG. 44A depicts that median baseline FDHT-SUVmax was 2.93 (range1-4.38) for 7 patients with CB (defined as complete response (CR),partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD) as determined by RECISTcriteria) at 12 weeks after therapy and 2.15 (0.96-3.77) for 4 patientswith progressive disease (PD). FIG. 44B depicts that the change in FDHTuptake from baseline to six weeks (SUVmax change from baseline to sixweeks) declined for those with CB at 12 weeks whereas those with PD didnot. Disc (AE)—discontinued due to adverse event; Disc—discontinued.

FIGS. 45A and 45B present that Formula IX (SARM) re-sensitized humanbreast cancer models to CDK 4/6 inhibition in models of CDK 4/6resistance. FIG. 45A depicts a growth curve of PDX GAR15-13 treated withvehicle (n=8), Formula IX labeled as SARM (n=8), Palbo (n=7), orcombination (Combo) SARM+Palbo (n=11). Astericks denoted significantlydifferent tumor volumes at ethical end point, as determined by atwo-tailed, unpaired Student's t-test, for Palbo versus Combo (t=3.7246,d.f.=14, P=0.0022) and SARM versus Combo (t=4.094, d.f.=15, P=0.0010).Data were presented as mean values±s.e.m. FIG. 45B depicts proliferationof Palb^(R) cells in response to AR agonist (Formula IX 100 nM) and Palb(125 nM), alone or in combination. Data represented the mean±s.e.m. offour replicate cell culture wells per condition. Data were analyzedusing a one-way ANOVA (F=79.71, d.f.=23, P<0.0001) followed by Tukey'smultiple comparisons test. P values are indicated by gray asterisks,where ****P<0.0001 for all highlighted comparisons.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject. Accordingly, thisinvention provides methods of: a) treating a subject suffering frombreast cancer; b) treating a subject suffering from metastatic breastcancer; c) treating a subject suffering from refractory breast cancer;d) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer; e)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive refractory breast cancer;f) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive metastatic breastcancer; g) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive and ER-positivebreast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive breastcancer with or without expression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating asubject suffering from triple negative breast cancer; j) treating asubject suffering from advanced breast cancer; k) treating a subjectsuffering from breast cancer that has failed selective estrogen receptormodulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating, preventing, suppressing orinhibiting AR-positive triple negative breast cancer; r) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; s) treating asubject suffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer, t) treating asubject suffering from Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/oru) treating breast cancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, by administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a compound of Formulae I-XIV of this inventionand/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a male. In one embodiment, the subject isa female.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from breast cancer, comprising the step ofadministering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV of thisinvention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat breast cancer in the subject. In oneembodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from metastatic breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat metastatic breast cancer in the subject. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment,the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from refractory breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat refractory breast cancer in the subject. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment,the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat AR-positive breast cancer in the subject. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment,the subject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer is ER, PR andHER2-positive. In another embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer isER, PR and HER2-negative. In one embodiment, the AR-positive breastcancer is ER-positive, and PR and HER2-negative. In another embodiment,the AR-positive breast cancer is ER and PR-positive, and HER2-negative.In yet another embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer is ER andHER2-positive, and PR-negative. In still another embodiment, theAR-positive breast cancer is ER-negative, and PR and HER2-positive. In afurther embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer is ER and PR-negative,and HER2-positive. In still a further embodiment, the AR-positive breastcancer is ER and HER2-negative, and PR-positive. In one embodiment, theAR-positive breast cancer is ER-negative. In another embodiment, theAR-positive breast cancer is ER-positive.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive refractory breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, in an amount effective to treat AR-positive refractory breastcancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive metastatic breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, in an amount effective to treat AR-positive metastatic breastcancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breastcancer, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compoundof Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative,isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceuticalproduct, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or anycombination thereof, in an amount effective to treat AR-positivemetastatic breast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subjectis a female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is a malesubject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from ER-positive breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat ER-positive breast cancer in the subject. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment,the subject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, the ER-positive breast cancer is AR-positive. Inanother embodiment, the ER-positive breast cancer is AR-negative. In oneembodiment, ER-positive breast cancer is triple positive (ER, PR, HER2)breast cancer. In another embodiment, ER-positive breast cancer is nottriple positive breast cancer.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from triple negative breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, in an amount effective to treat triple negative breast cancerin the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. Inanother embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive triple negative breastcancer, comprising the step of administering to the subject a compoundof Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative,isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceuticalproduct, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or anycombination thereof, in an amount effective to AR-positive treat triplenegative breast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject isa female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from advanced breast cancer, comprising thestep of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat advanced breast cancer in the subject. In oneembodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from breast cancer that has failedselective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene,raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin),aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane),cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance),ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib),mTOR inhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments, comprising the step of administering to thesubject a compound of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or itsanalog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treatbreast cancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator(SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasinghormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject isa female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment this invention provides a method for treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer, comprising the stepof administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV of thisinvention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat HER2-positive breast cancer in the subject. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment,the subject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is HER2-positiverefractory breast cancer. In another embodiment, the HER2-positivebreast cancer is HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. In oneembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is ER-negative. In anotherembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is ER-positive. In oneembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is PR-positive. In anotherembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is PR-negative. In oneembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is AR-positive. In anotherembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is AR-negative.

In certain embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is ER-positive,PR-positive, and AR-positive. In another embodiment, the HER2-positivebreast cancer is ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-positive. In anotherembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is ER-positive, PR-negative,and AR-negative. In other embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer isER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative. In another embodiment, theHER2-positive breast cancer is ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive. In another embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer isER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive. In another embodiment, theHER2-positive breast cancer is ER-negative, PR-positive, andAR-negative. In certain embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer isER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negative. In certain embodiment, theHER2-positive breast cancer is triple-positive HER2 breast cancer.

In another embodiment this invention provides a method for treating asubject suffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat ER mutant expressing breast cancer in thesubject. In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In anotherembodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast cancer is Y537Smutation expressing breast cancer.

In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast cancer is D351Ymutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, the ERmutant expressing breast cancer is E380Q mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris V422del mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment,the ER mutant expressing breast cancer is S432L mutation expressingbreast cancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breastcancer is G442A mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certainembodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast cancer is S463P mutationexpressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutantexpressing breast cancer is L469V mutation expressing breast cancer. Ina certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast cancer is L536Rmutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, the ERmutant expressing breast cancer is L536H mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris L536P mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is L536Q mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris Y537N mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is Y537C mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris Y537D mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is D538G mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris E542G mutation expressing breast cancer. In one embodiment, ER mutantexpressing breast cancer refers to mutants of ER-alpha.

In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast cancer is asdescribed in Cancer Cell 2018, 33, 173-186, or in Nat Rev Cancer 2018,18(6):377-388, which are incorporated herein by reference. In oneembodiment, ER mutant expressing breast cancer refers to mutants ofER-alpha.

In one aspect, this invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) compound and acyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor, wherein said SARMcompound is represented by a structure of formula I:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl, or OH;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

R₂ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, or SR;

R₃ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, Sn(R)₃, or R₃together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a fusedring system represented by the structure:

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

n is an integer of 1-4; and

m is an integer of 1-3, or

an optical isomer, a racemic mixture, a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, a pharmaceutical product, a hydrate, an N-oxide, or a crystalthereof.

In some embodiments, the SARM compound in the composition of theinvention is represented by a structure of formula II:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH or CONHR;

Y is I, CF₃, Br, Cl, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A B or C:

R is a C₁-C₄ alkyl, aryl, phenyl, alkenyl, hydroxyl, a C₁-C₄ haloalkyl,halogen, or haloalkenyl; and

R₁ is CH₃, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃.

In some embodiments, the SARM compound of the composition of theinvention is represented by a structure of Formula VIII, IX, X, XI, XII,XIII, or XIV:

In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising Formula IX, or an optical isomer, a racemic mixture, apharmaceutically acceptable salt, a pharmaceutical product, a hydrate,an N-oxide, or a crystal thereof, and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor,

In some embodiments of the composition of the invention, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is palbociclib, ribociclib, trilaciclib, lerociclib, orabemaciclib. In certain embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor ispalbociclib. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib.In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib. In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib. In some embodiments,the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is abemaciclib.

In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising compound IX, or an optical isomer, a racemic mixture, apharmaceutically acceptable salt, a pharmaceutical product, a hydrate,an N-oxide, or a crystal thereof and palbociclib,

In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is in the form ofa pellet, a tablet, a capsule, a solution, a suspension, an emulsion, anelixir, a gel, a cream, a suppository or a parenteral formulation.

It is another aspect of the invention that the pharmaceuticalcomposition of the invention can be used for treatment of breast cancer.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method for treating a subjectsuffering from breast cancer, comprising administering to said subject apharmaceutical composition of the invention as described herein.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprises a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound and a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor, whereinsaid SARM compound is represented by a structure of formula I:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl, or OH;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

R₂ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, or SR;

R₃ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, Sn(R)₃, or R₃together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a fusedring system represented by the structure:

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

n is an integer of 1-4; and

m is an integer of 1-3, or

an optical isomer, a racemic mixture, a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, a pharmaceutical product, a hydrate, an N-oxide, or a crystalthereof.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the SARM compound isrepresented by a structure of formula II:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH or CONHR;

Y is I, CF₃, Br, Cl, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

R is a C₁-C₄ alkyl, aryl, phenyl, alkenyl, hydroxyl, a C₁-C₄ haloalkyl,halogen, or haloalkenyl; and

R₁ is CH₃, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the SARM compound isrepresented by a structure of Formula VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, orXIV:

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprises Formula IX, or an optical isomer, a racemicmixture, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a pharmaceutical product, ahydrate, an N-oxide, or a crystal thereof, and a CDK 4/6 inhibitor,

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is palbociclib, ribociclib, trilaciclib, lerociclib, orabemaciclib. In certain embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor ispalbociclib. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib.In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib. In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib. In some embodiments,the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is abemaciclib.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprises Formula IX, or an optical isomer, a racemicmixture, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a pharmaceutical product, ahydrate, an N-oxide, or a crystal thereof and palbociclib,

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the breast cancer isan AR-positive breast cancer, ER-positive breast cancer, triple negativebreast cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer, advanced breast cancer,refractory breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer, or breast cancerthat has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen,toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist(goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole,exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor(palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio),trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab(Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib(Piqray) (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha(PI3Kα)), lapatinib, neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (aninhibitor of the enzyme poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), bevacizumab(Avastin), and/or fulvestrant treatments.

In some embodiments, the breast cancer is AR-positive metastatic breastcancer. In certain embodiments, the breast cancer is AR-positiverefractory breast cancer.

In some embodiments, the ER-positive breast cancer is AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer, or AR-negative and ER-positive breast cancer.

In some embodiments, the AR-positive breast cancer is ER-negative;ER-negative, PR-negative, and HER2-negative; ER-negative, PR-negative,and HER2-positive; ER-negative, PR-positive, and HER2-negative;ER-negative, PR-positive, and HER2-positive; ER-positive, PR-negative,and HER2-negative; ER-positive, PR-positive, and HER2-negative;ER-positive, PR-negative, and HER2-positive; or ER-positive,PR-positive, and HER2-positive.

In some embodiments, the breast cancer has failed treatment with aselective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). In some embodiments, theSERM is tamoxifen, toremifene, or raloxifene.

In some embodiments, the breast cancer has failed treatment with acyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor. In some embodiments,the subject is resistant or non-responsive to the CDK 4/6 inhibitor. Insome embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance),ribociclib (Kisqali), trilaciclib, lerociclib or abemaciclib (Vorzenio).In certain embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance).In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib. In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib. In some embodiments,the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is abemaciclib.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the composition ofthe invention as described herein re-sensitizes said breast cancer totreatment with CDK 4/6 inhibitors. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is at least one of palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), trilaciclib, lerociclib, and abemaciclib (Vorzenio). Incertain embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance). Insome embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib (Kisqali). In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib. In some embodiments,the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is abemaciclib.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the composition ofthe invention as described herein overcomes estrogen endocrineresistance. In some embodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includesat least one of tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene, exemestane,letrozole, anastrozole, and fulvestrant. In some embodiments, theestrogen endocrine therapy includes tamoxifen. In some embodiments, theestrogen endocrine therapy includes toremifene. In some embodiments, theestrogen endocrine therapy includes raloxifene. In some embodiments, theestrogen endocrine therapy includes exemestane. In some embodiments, theestrogen endocrine therapy includes letrozole. In some embodiments, theestrogen endocrine therapy includes anastrozole. In some embodiments,the estrogen endocrine therapy includes fulvestrant.

It is another aspect of the invention that the composition of theinvention as described herein overcomes resistance to estrogen endocrineand CDK 4/6 inhibitor co-therapy. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is at least one of palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), trilaciclib, lerociclib, and abemaciclib (Vorzenio). Incertain embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance). Insome embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib (Kisqali). In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib. In some embodiments,the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is abemaciclib. In some embodiments, the estrogen endocrinetherapy includes at least one of tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene,exemestane, letrozole, anastrozole, and fulvestrant. In someembodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includes tamoxifen. In someembodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includes toremifene. In someembodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includes raloxifene. In someembodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includes exemestane. In someembodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includes letrozole. In someembodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includes anastrozole. Insome embodiments, the estrogen endocrine therapy includes fulvestrant.

In some embodiments, where the composition of the invention as describedherein overcomes resistance to estrogen endocrine and CDK 4/6 inhibitorco-therapy, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance) and theestrogen endocrine therapy includes tamoxifen. In some embodiments, theCDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance) and the estrogen endocrinetherapy includes toremifene. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitoris palbociclib (Ibrance) and the estrogen endocrine therapy includesraloxifene. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib(Ibrance) and the estrogen endocrine therapy includes exemestane. Insome embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance) and theestrogen endocrine therapy includes letrozole. In some embodiments, theCDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance) and the estrogen endocrinetherapy includes anastrozole. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitoris palbociclib (Ibrance) and the estrogen endocrine therapy includesfulvestrant.

In some embodiments, where the composition of the invention as describedherein overcomes resistance to estrogen endocrine and CDK 4/6 inhibitorco-therapy, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib (Kisqali) and theestrogen endocrine therapy includes tamoxifen. In some embodiments, theCDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib (Kisqali) and the estrogen endocrinetherapy includes toremifene. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitoris ribociclib (Kisqali) and the estrogen endocrine therapy includesraloxifene. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib(Kisqali) and the estrogen endocrine therapy includes exemestane. Insome embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib (Kisqali) and theestrogen endocrine therapy includes letrozole. In some embodiments, theCDK 4/6 inhibitor is ribociclib (Kisqali) and the estrogen endocrinetherapy includes anastrozole. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitoris ribociclib (Kisqali) and the estrogen endocrine therapy includesfulvestrant.

In some embodiments, where the composition of the invention as describedherein overcomes resistance to estrogen endocrine and CDK 4/6 inhibitorco-therapy, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib and the estrogenendocrine therapy includes tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is trilaciclib and the estrogen endocrine therapy includestoremifene. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilacicliband the estrogen endocrine therapy includes raloxifene. In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib and the estrogenendocrine therapy includes exemestane. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is trilaciclib and the estrogen endocrine therapy includesletrozole. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib andthe estrogen endocrine therapy includes anastrozole. In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is trilaciclib and the estrogenendocrine therapy includes fulvestrant.

In some embodiments, where the composition of the invention as describedherein overcomes resistance to estrogen endocrine and CDK 4/6 inhibitorco-therapy, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib and the estrogenendocrine therapy includes tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is lerociclib and the estrogen endocrine therapy includestoremifene. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib andthe estrogen endocrine therapy includes raloxifene. In some embodiments,the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib and the estrogen endocrine therapyincludes exemestane. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor islerociclib and the estrogen endocrine therapy includes letrozole. Insome embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is lerociclib and the estrogenendocrine therapy includes anastrozole. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is lerociclib and the estrogen endocrine therapy includesfulvestrant.

In some embodiments, where the composition of the invention as describedherein overcomes resistance to estrogen endocrine and CDK 4/6 inhibitorco-therapy, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is abemaciclib and the estrogenendocrine therapy includes tamoxifen. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is abemaciclib and the estrogen endocrine therapy includestoremifene. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is abemacicliband the estrogen endocrine therapy includes raloxifene. In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is abemaciclib and the estrogenendocrine therapy includes exemestane. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6inhibitor is abemaciclib and the estrogen endocrine therapy includesletrozole. In some embodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is abemaciclib andthe estrogen endocrine therapy includes anastrozole. In someembodiments, the CDK 4/6 inhibitor is abemaciclib and the estrogenendocrine therapy includes fulvestrant.

In some embodiments of the method of the invention, the breast cancerhas failed treatment with an mTOR inhibitor. In some embodiments, themTOR inhibitor is everolimus, sirolimus, temsirolimus, or ridafarolimus.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention further prolongs thesurvival of the subject suffering from breast cancer or prolongs theprogression-free survival of the subject suffering from breast cancer.

In some embodiments, the composition of the invention is administeredintravenously, intraarterially, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, orally,or topically. In some embodiments, the composition of the invention isadministered orally.

In some embodiments, the selective androgen receptor modulator is dosedfrom 1 mg to 50 mg per day. In some embodiments, the selective androgenreceptor modulator is dosed per day from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, orfrom about 5 mg to about 50 mg, or from about 5 mg to about 10 mg, orfrom about 5 mg to about 15 mg, or from about 5 mg to about 20 mg, orfrom about 5 mg to about 30 mg, or from about 10 mg to about 50 mg, orfrom about 10 mg to about 40 mg, or from about 10 mg to about 30 mg, orfrom about 10 mg to about 20 mg, or from about 15 mg to about 50 mg, orfrom about 20 mg to about 50 mg, or from about 25 mg to about 50 mg, orfrom about 30 mg to about 50 mg, or from about 30 mg to about 40 mg. Insome embodiments, the selective androgen receptor modulator is dosedabout 9 mg per day or 18 mg per day.

As used herein, in one embodiment the term “treating” may refer totreating, delaying the progression, preventing the recurrence ortreating the recurrence. In one embodiment, the term “treating” refersto a reduction in morbidity, mortality, or a combination thereof, inassociation with breast cancer.

The term “preventing” may refer to preventing the initial occurrence ofa disorder, reducing risk factors, minimize the disability or potentialhealth threat of a disorder.

As used herein, the term “breast cancer” may refer to breast cancer;advanced breast cancer; metastatic breast cancer; AR-positive breastcancer; ER-positive breast cancer; AR-positive breast cancer with orwithout expression of ER, PR and/or HER2; triple-positive breast cancer(ER, PR and HER2-positive), AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER; ER-positive breast cancer with or without expressionof AR; AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; refractory breastcancer; AR-positive refractory breast cancer; ER-positive refractorybreast cancer; AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; ER-positivemetastatic breast cancer; breast cancer that has failed selectiveestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3K)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; triple negative breast cancer; or breast cancerthat uptakes ¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT); or anycombination thereof.

In one embodiment, the term “breast cancer” refers to a conditioncharacterized by anomalous rapid proliferation of abnormal cells in oneor both breasts of a subject. The abnormal cells often are referred toas “neoplastic cells,” which refers to, in some embodiments, transformedcells that can form a solid tumor. The term “tumor”, in someembodiments, refers to an abnormal mass or population of cells (i.e. twoor more cells) that result from excessive or abnormal cell division,whether malignant or benign, and pre-cancerous and cancerous cells.Malignant tumors are distinguished from benign growths or tumors inthat, in addition to uncontrolled cellular proliferation, they caninvade surrounding tissues and can metastasize.

In breast cancer, neoplastic cells may be identified in one or bothbreasts only and not in another tissue or organ, in one or both breastsand one or more adjacent tissues or organs (e.g. lymph node), or in abreast and one or more non-adjacent tissues or organs to which thebreast cancer cells have metastasized.

The term “metastasis”, in some embodiments, refers to a process in whichcancer cells travel from one organ or tissue to another non-adjacentorgan or tissue. Cancer cells in the breast(s) can spread to tissues andorgans of a subject, and conversely, cancer cells from other organs ortissue can invade or metastasize to a breast. Cancerous cells from thebreast(s) may invade or metastasize to any other organ or tissue of thebody. Breast cancer cells often invade lymph node cells and/ormetastasize to the liver, brain and/or bone and spread cancer in thesetissues and organs. The term “invasion”, in some embodiments, refers tothe spread of cancerous cells to adjacent surrounding tissues.

As used herein, the term “advanced breast cancer” refers to cancer thathas spread to other places in the body and usually cannot be cured orcontrolled with current treatment.

As used herein, the term “AR-positive breast cancer” may refer to breastcancer wherein at least a portion of the cancer cells express at leastthe androgen receptor (AR).

As used herein, the term “ER-positive breast cancer” may refer to breastcancer wherein at least a portion of the cancer cells express at leastthe estrogen receptor (ER).

As used herein, the term “triple negative breast cancer” may refer tobreast cancer cells that do not have estrogen receptors (ER),progesterone receptors (PR), or large amounts of HER2/neu protein.“Triple negative breast cancer” may also be referred to herein as“ER-negative PR-negative HER2/neu-negative breast cancer”.

As used herein, the term “triple positive breast cancer” may refer tobreast cancer cells that express estrogen receptors (ER), progesteronereceptors (PR), and large amounts of HER2/neu (HER2) protein. “Triplepositive breast cancer” may also be referred to herein as “ER-positivePR-positive HER2/neu-positive breast cancer” or “ER, PR, and HER2 breastcancer”.

As used herein, the term “refractory” may refer to breast cancer thatdoes not respond to treatment. The breast cancer may be resistant at thebeginning of treatment or it may become resistant during treatment.“Refractory breast cancer” may also be referred to herein as “resistantcancer”.

As used herein, the term “HER2-positive breast cancer” may refer tobreast cancers wherein at least a portion of the cancer cells expresselevated levels of HER2 protein (HER2 (from human epidermal growthfactor receptor 2) or HER2/neu) which promotes rapid growth of cells.

As used herein, the term “ER mutant expressing breast cancer” may referto breast cancers that express estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) withtherapy resistance conferring mutations. Often these mutations arelocated within the ligand binding domain of ER-α, are treatmentemergent, and/or confer resistance to certain or all endocrine therapiessuch as SERMs, AIs, SERDs, and/or GnRH agonists. As used herein, theterm “Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer” may refer to breastcancers that express estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) with the pointmutation Y537S.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating, preventing, suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subjectsuffering from breast cancer, comprising the step of administering tothe subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or itsanalog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treat,prevent, suppress or inhibit metastasis in the subject. In oneembodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forprolonging the survival of a subject with breast cancer, comprising thestep of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to prolong the survival of a subject with breastcancer. In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In anotherembodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forslowing the progression of breast cancer in a subject, comprising thestep of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to slow the progression of breast cancer in thesubject. In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In anotherembodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forprolonging progression-free survival of a subject with breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, in an amount effective to prolong progression-free survival ofa subject with breast cancer. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, breast cancer of this invention refers to in oneembodiment to ER-positive metastatic breast cancer; In anotherembodiment to ER-positive refractory breast cancer; In anotherembodiment to ER-positive PR-positive HER2-negative breast cancer; Inanother embodiment to AR-positive ER-positive breast cancer; In anotherembodiment to AR-positive ER-positive refractory breast cancer; Inanother embodiment to AR-positive ER-positive metastatic breast cancer;In another embodiment to triple positive breast cancer; In anotherembodiment to advanced ER-positive breast cancer; In another embodimentto AR-positive; In another embodiment to ER-positive breast cancer; andin another embodiment to breast cancer that has failed selectiveestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forlowering biomarker levels in a subject with breast cancer comprising thestep of administering to the subject a compound of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to lower the biomarker level in said subject. Inanother embodiment, the method comprises administering a compound ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention. As used herein, the term “biomarker”may refer to a substance used as an indicator of a process, event, orcondition. A biomarker can be a biomolecule such as a nucleic acidmolecule (e.g. microRNA, genomic DNA, etc.), a protein, apolysaccharide, and the like.

Biomarkers include tumor antigens and tumor markers. In one embodiment,a biomarker indicates the presence of cancer, e.g., breast cancer. Inone embodiment, a biomarker may be used to determine the efficacy oftreatment. In one embodiment, a biomarker may be used to determine theprogression of a condition, e.g., breast cancer.

The MUC-1 associated antigen, or CA 27.29, is a cancer antigen highlyassociated with breast cancer. As used herein, the term “CA27.29biomarker” refers to a biomarker for breast cancer. In one embodiment,CA27.29 is a biomarker for advanced breast cancer.

“PSA (prostate-specific antigen) biomarker” is used as a biomarker forprostate cancer, however PSA was also found in the blood of women withbreast cancer at higher levels compared to women without breast cancer.PSA is useful also as a biomarker for breast cancer.

“CTX biomarker” and “NTX biomarker” are the C-telopeptide andN-telopeptide of collagen type I, respectively, which are used asbiomarkers of bone turnover. NTX and CTX biomarkers may be sensitiveindicators of the presence of bone metastases in breast cancer patients.

In one embodiment, a method of this invention lowers CA27.29 biomarkerin a subject. In one embodiment, a method of this invention lowers PSAin a subject. In one embodiment, a method of this invention lowers CTXbiomarker in a subject. In one embodiment of this invention, a method ofthis invention lowers NTX biomarker in a subject. In another embodiment,a method of this invention maintains the level of CA27.29 in a subject.In another embodiment, a method of this invention maintains the level ofPSA in a subject. In another embodiment, a method of this inventionmaintains the level of CTX biomarker in a subject. In anotherembodiment, a method of this invention maintains the level of NTXbiomarker. In one embodiment, the subject has breast cancer. In oneembodiment, the subject has advanced breast cancer. In anotherembodiment, the subject has refractory breast cancer. In yet anotherembodiment, the subject has AR-positive breast cancer. In still anotherembodiment, the subject has ER-positive breast cancer.

In one embodiment, this invention is directed to a method of treatingbreast cancer in a subject, comprising a step of determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, followed by administering to said AR-positivebreast cancer subject a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound.

In another embodiment, the selective androgen receptor modulatorcompound is a compound of formula I-XIV.

In one embodiment, said tumor is metastatic breast cancer tumor. In oneembodiment, said tumor is an ER-positive metastatic breast cancer tumor.In one embodiment, said tumor is an ER-positive metastatic breast cancertumor that has failed FDA approved hormonal and/or kinase treatments.

In one embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer is ER-positive. Inanother embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer is metastatic. Inanother embodiment the breast cancer is any of refractory breast cancer;AR-positive breast cancer; AR-positive refractory breast cancer;AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; AR-positive and ER-positive breastcancer; AR-positive breast cancer with or without expression of estrogenreceptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and/or human epidermal growthfactor receptor 2 (HER2); triple negative breast cancer (TNBC); advancedbreast cancer; breast cancer that has failed selective estrogen receptormodulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; ER-positive breast cancer; HER2-positive breastcancer; ER mutant expressing breast cancer, or Y537S ER mutantexpressing breast cancer.

In another embodiment, the breast cancer is estrogen receptor positive(ER+) metastatic breast cancer.

In one embodiment, the compound of this invention is an antagonist. Inanother embodiment, the compound of this invention is an agonist. In yetanother embodiment, the compound of this invention is a partialagonist/partial antagonist. In one embodiment, a compound of thisinvention is an AR agonist. In another embodiment, a compound is an ARantagonist. In yet another embodiment, a compound is a partial ARagonist and AR antagonist. In one embodiment, a compound of thisinvention is a PR agonist. In another embodiment, a compound is a PRantagonist. In yet another embodiment, a compound is a partial PRagonist and PR antagonist.

In one embodiment, a compound of this invention is an AR agonist and aPR antagonist.

The SARM compounds of this invention may be useful, in some embodiments,for: a) treatment, prevention, delaying onset of, increasing time tofirst skeletal related event (SRE), suppression or inhibition of, or thereduction of the risk of developing a skeletal-related event (SRE), suchas pathological bone fractures, surgery of the bone, radiation of thebone, spinal cord compression, new bone metastasis, and/or bone loss ina subject; b) treatment, prevention, suppression or inhibition of, orthe reduction of the risk of developing a variety of hormone-relatedconditions in a subject, for example for increasing libido; and/or forc) improving quality of life in a subject.

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease, characterized by low bonemass and deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase inbone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. In the U.S., thecondition affects more than 25 million people and causes more than 1.3million fractures each year, including 500,000 spine, 250,000 hip and240,000 wrist fractures annually. Hip fractures are the most seriousconsequence of osteoporosis, with 5-20% of patients dying within oneyear, and over 50% of survivors being incapacitated. The elderly are atgreatest risk of osteoporosis, and the problem is therefore predicted toincrease significantly with the aging of the population. Worldwidefracture incidence is forecasted to increase three-fold over the next 60years, and one study estimated that there will be 4.5 million hipfractures worldwide in 2050.

Women are at greater risk of osteoporosis than men. Women experience asharp acceleration of bone loss during the five years followingmenopause. Other factors that increase the risk include smoking, alcoholabuse, a sedentary lifestyle and low calcium intake. However,osteoporosis also occurs frequently in males. It is well establishedthat the bone mineral density of males decreases with age. Decreasedamounts of bone mineral content and density correlates with decreasedbone strength, and predisposes to fracture. The molecular mechanismsunderlying the pleiotropic effects of sex-hormones in non-reproductivetissues are only beginning to be understood, but it is clear thatphysiologic concentrations of androgens and estrogens play an importantrole in maintaining bone homeostasis throughout the life-cycle.Consequently, when androgen or estrogen deprivation occurs there is aresultant increase in the rate of bone remodeling that tilts the balanceof resorption and formation to the favor of resorption that contributesto the overall loss of bone mass. In males, the natural decline insex-hormones at maturity (direct decline in androgens as well as lowerlevels of estrogens derived from peripheral aromatization of androgens)is associated with the frailty of bones. This effect is also observed inmales who have been castrated.

In one embodiment, this invention provides for the use of a compound asherein described, or its prodrug, analog, isomer, metabolite,derivative, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,polymorph, crystal, impurity, N-oxide, hydrate or any combinationthereof, for: a) treating a bone related disorder; b) preventing a bonerelated disorder; c) suppressing a bone related disorder; d) inhibitinga bone related disorder; e) increasing a strength of a bone of asubject; f) increasing a bone mass in a subject; g) use forosteoclastogenesis inhibition; and/or h) use for osteoblastogenesisstimulation.

In one embodiment, this invention provides for the use of a compound asherein described, or its prodrug, analog, isomer, metabolite,derivative, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,polymorph, crystal, impurity, N-oxide, hydrate or any combinationthereof, for: a) accelerating bone repair; b) treating bone disorders;c) treating bone density loss; d) treating low bone mineral density(BMD); e) treating reduced bone mass; f) treating metabolic bonedisease; g) promoting bone growth or regrowth; h) promoting bonerestoration; i) promoting bone fracture repair; j) promoting boneremodeling; k) treating bone damage following reconstructive surgeryincluding of the face, hip, or joints; l) enhancing of bone strength andfunction; m) increasing cortical bone mass; n) increasing trabecularconnectivity; o) preventing, inhibiting or delaying metastasis to thebone; and/or p) preventing, inhibiting or delaying the growth ofmetastatic tumors of the bone.

In one embodiment, the bone related disorder is a genetic disorder, orin another embodiment, is induced as a result of a treatment regimen fora given disease. For example, and in one embodiment, the compounds asherein described are useful in treating a bone-related disorder thatarises as a result of cancer metastasis to bone, or in anotherembodiment, as a result of androgen-deprivation therapy, for example,given in response to prostate carcinogenesis in the subject.

As used herein, “estrogen-deprivation therapy” may refer to therapywhich is given in response to breast cancer in a subject. Knowntreatments include treatment with GnRH agonists, SERMs, SERDs, oraromatase inhibitors (AI). For example, and in one embodiment, thecompounds as herein described are useful in treating a bone-relateddisorder that arises as a result of cancer metastasis to bone, or inanother embodiment, as a result of estrogen-deprivation therapy, forexample, given in response to breast cancer in the subject. Menopausecan also be induced using GnRH agonists such as gosarelin (Zoladex)which maintains endogeneous estrogens at low levels via inhibition ofthe hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.

In one embodiment, the bone-related disorder is a loss of bone mineraldensity (BMD). In another embodiment, the bone-related disorder isosteoporosis. In another embodiment, the bone-related disorder isosteopenia. In another embodiment, the bone-related disorder isincreased bone resorption. In another embodiment, the bone-relateddisorder is bone fracture. In another embodiment, the bone-relateddisorder is bone frailty. In another embodiment, the bone-relateddisorder is any combination of osteoporosis, osteopenia, increased boneresorption, bone fracture, bone frailty and loss of BMD. Each disorderrepresents a separate embodiment of the present invention.

“Osteoporosis” refers, in one embodiment, to a thinning of the boneswith reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and boneprotein. In another embodiment, osteoporosis is a systemic skeletaldisease, characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bonetissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibilityto fracture. In osteoporotic patients, bone strength is abnormal, in oneembodiment, with a resulting increase in the risk of fracture. Inanother embodiment, osteoporosis depletes both the calcium and theprotein collagen normally found in the bone, in one embodiment,resulting in either abnormal bone quality or decreased bone density. Inanother embodiment, bones that are affected by osteoporosis can fracturewith only a minor fall or injury that normally would not cause a bonefracture. The fracture can be, in one embodiment, either in the form ofcracking (as in a hip fracture) or collapsing (as in a compressionfracture of the spine). The spine, hips, and wrists are common areas ofosteoporosis-induced bone fractures, although fractures can also occurin other skeletal areas. Unchecked osteoporosis can lead, in anotherembodiment, to changes in posture, physical abnormality, and decreasedmobility.

In one embodiment, the osteoporosis results from androgen deprivation.In another embodiment, the osteoporosis follows androgen deprivation. Inanother embodiment, the osteoporosis results from estrogen-deprivationtherapy. In another embodiment, the osteoporosis followsestrogen-deprivation therapy. In another embodiment, the osteoporosis isprimary osteoporosis. In another embodiment, the osteoporosis issecondary osteoporosis. In another embodiment, the osteoporosis ispostmenopausal osteoporosis. In another embodiment, the osteoporosis isjuvenile osteoporosis. In another embodiment, the osteoporosis isidiopathic osteoporosis. In another embodiment, the osteoporosis issenile osteoporosis. In another embodiment, osteoporosis can predisposea breast cancer patient to metastasis to the bones and/or predispose thepatients toward the development of a skeletally related event.

In another embodiment, the primary osteoporosis is type I primaryosteoporosis. In another embodiment, the primary osteoporosis is type IIprimary osteoporosis. Each type of osteoporosis represents a separateembodiment of the present invention.

According to this aspect of the invention and in one embodiment, thebone-related disorder is treated with a compound as herein described, ora combination thereof. In another embodiment, other bone-stimulatingcompounds can be provided to the subject, prior to, concurrent with orfollowing administration of a compound or compounds as herein described.In one embodiment, such a bone stimulating compound may comprise naturalor synthetic materials.

In one embodiment, the bone stimulating compound may comprise a bonemorphogenetic protein (BMP), a growth factor, such as epidermal growthfactor (EGF), a fibroblast growth factor (FGF), a transforming growthfactor (TGF, an insulin growth factor (IGF), a platelet-derived growthfactor (PDGF) hedgehog proteins such as sonic, indian and deserthedgehog, a hormone such as follicle stimulating hormone, parathyroidhormone, parathyroid hormone related peptide, activins, inhibins,follistatin, frizzled, frzb or frazzled proteins, BMP binding proteinssuch as chordin and fetuin, a cytokine such as IL-3, IL-7, GM-CSF, achemokine, such as eotaxin, a collagen, osteocalcin, osteonectin andothers, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, the compositions for use in treating a bonedisorder of this invention may comprise a compound or compounds asherein described, an additional bone stimulating compound, or compounds,and osteogenic cells. In one embodiment, an osteogenic cell may be astem cell or progenitor cell, which may be induced to differentiate intoan osteoblast. In another embodiment, the cell may be an osteoblast. Inanother embodiment, nucleic acids which encode bone-stimulatingcompounds may be administered to the subject, which is to be consideredas part of this invention.

In one embodiment, this invention provides for the treatment,prevention, suppression or inhibition of, or the reduction of the riskof developing a skeletal-related event (SRE), such as bone fractures,surgery of the bone, radiation of the bone, spinal cord compression, newbone metastasis, bone loss, or a combination thereof in a subject withcancer, comprising administering a compound as herein described and/orits analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, or any combinationthereof. The invention relates, inter alia, to treatment of an SRE withthe compound of Formulae I-XIV of this invention: (a) in a subject withprostate cancer undergoing or having undergone androgen deprivationtherapy (ADT); or (b) in a subject with breast cancer undergoing orhaving undergone estrogen-deprivation therapy.

In one embodiment, the skeletal-related events treated using the methodsprovided herein and/or utilizing the compositions provided herein, arefractures, which in one embodiment, are pathological fractures,non-traumatic fractures, vertebral fracture, non-vertebral fractures,morphometric fractures, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments,fractures may be simple, compound, transverse, greenstick, or comminutedfractures. In one embodiment, fractures may be to any bone in the body,which in one embodiment, is a fracture in any one or more bones of thearm, wrist, hand, finger, leg, ankle, foot, toe, hip, collar bone, or acombination thereof. In breast cancer, metastasis occurs most often tothe hip and vertebrae. In one embodiment, the skeletal-related isfractures to the hip and/or vertebrae.

In another embodiment, the methods and/or compositions provided herein,are effective in treatment, prevention, suppression, inhibition orreduction of the risk of skeletal-related events such as pathologicfractures, spinal cord compression, hypercalcemia, bone-related pain, ortheir combination.

In another embodiment, the skeletal-related events sought to be treatedusing the methods provided herein and/or utilizing the compositionsprovided herein, comprise the necessity for bone surgery and/or boneradiation, which in some embodiments, is for the treatment of painresulting in one embodiment from bone damage, or nerve compression. Inanother embodiment, the skeletal-related events sought to be treatedusing the methods provided herein and/or utilizing the compositionsprovided herein, comprise spinal cord compression, or the necessity forchanges in antineoplastic therapy, including changes in hormonaltherapy, in a subject. In some embodiments, skeletal-related eventssought to be treated using the methods provided herein and/or utilizingthe compositions provided herein, comprise treating, suppressing,preventing, reducing the incidence of, or delaying progression orseverity of bone metastases, or bone loss. In one embodiment, bone lossmay comprise osteoporosis, osteopenia, or a combination thereof. In oneembodiment, skeletal-related events may comprise any combination of theembodiments listed herein.

In one embodiment, the methods provided herein and/or utilizing thecompositions provided herein, are effective in reducing metastases tothe bone, such as in terms of number of foci, the size of foci, or acombination thereof. According to this aspect of the invention and inone embodiment, provided herein is a method of preventing or inhibitingcancer metastasis to bone in a subject, comprising the step ofadministering to the subject a composition comprising toremifene,raloxifene, tamoxifen or an analogue, functional derivative, metaboliteor a combination thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.In one embodiment, such metabolites may comprise ospemifene, fispemifeneor their combination. In one embodiment, the cancer is prostate cancer.In one embodiment, the cancer is breast cancer.

In one embodiment, the skeletal-related events are a result of cancertherapy. In one embodiment, the skeletal-related events are a result ofhormone deprivation therapy, while in another embodiment, they are aproduct of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), and in another embodimentthey are a product of estrogen-deprivation therapy

As used herein, the term “libido”, may refer to sexual desire, or asdefined in Example 9.

As used herein, the term “quality of life” may refer to the focuses onthe health and life of a subject suffering from a condition or disease,for example suffering from breast cancer, post treatment until the endof life. It covers the physical, psychosocial, and economic issues facedby the subject, beyond the diagnosis and treatment phases. The term“quality of life” may also be referred to herein as “survivorship”. Inone embodiment, survivorship includes issues related to the ability toget health care and follow-up treatment, late effects of treatment,second cancers, and quality of life. Family members, friends, andcaregivers are also considered part of the survivorship experience.

In one embodiment, the methods of this invention are useful to asubject, which is a human. In one embodiment, the subject is male. Inanother embodiment, the subject is female. In some embodiments, whilethe methods as described herein may be useful for treating either malesor females, females may respond more advantageously to administration ofcertain compounds, for certain methods. In other embodiments, while themethods as described herein may be useful for treating either males orfemales, males may respond more advantageously to administration ofcertain compounds, for certain methods.

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM) Compounds

In one embodiment, the compound of this invention which is effective at:a) treating a subject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subjectsuffering from refractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; and/or p) prolonging progression-freesurvival of a subject with breast cancer; q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subjectsuffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subjectsuffering from Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t)treating breast cancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula I, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl, or OH;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

R₂ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, or SR;

R₃ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, Sn(R)₃, or R₃together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a fusedring system represented by the structure:

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

n is an integer of 1-4; and

m is an integer of 1-3.

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject, for example a femalesubject. Accordingly, this invention provides methods for: a) treatingAR-positive breast cancer in a subject; b) treating metastaticAR-positive breast cancer, or advanced AR-positive breast cancer; c)treating refractory AR-positive breast cancer; d) treating, preventing,suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from breastcancer; e) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject sufferingfrom breast cancer; f) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; g) treating a subject suffering from metastaticER-positive breast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory ER-positive breast cancer; i) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive ER-positive breast cancer; j) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive ER-positive refractory breast cancer; k)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive ER-positive metastaticbreast cancer; l) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive ER-positive breast cancer with or without expression of PR,and/or HER2; n) treating a subject suffering from advanced ER-positivebreast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (A) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3K)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; p) treating, preventing, suppressing orinhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer; q) prolonging survival of a subject with ER-positive breastcancer; r) slowing the progression of ER-positive breast cancer in asubject; s) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject withER-positive breast cancer; t) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive HER2-positive breast cancer; u) treating a subject sufferingfrom ER mutant expressing breast cancer, v) treating a subject sufferingfrom Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or w) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound represented by a compound of Formula I:

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl, or OH;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

R₂ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, or SR;

R₃ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, Sn(R)₃, or R₃together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a fusedring system represented by the structure:

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

n is an integer of 1-4; and

m is an integer of 1-3;

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In another embodiment, this invention provides methods for: a) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive refractory breast cancer; c)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breastcancer; d) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andER-negative breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; f) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive and PR-positive breast cancer; g) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive and PR-negative breast cancer; h)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive and AR-positive breastcancer; i) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andAR-negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;k) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive,PR-negative, and AR-positive breast cancer; l) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive,ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; n) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive breast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;p) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative,PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; and/or q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; comprising administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound represented by a compound of Formula I:

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

R₂ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,alkyl, arylalkyl, OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, or SR;

R₃ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH, CONHR, CF₃, Sn(R)₃, or R₃together with the benzene ring to which it is attached forms a fusedring system represented by the structure:

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

n is an integer of 1-4; and

m is an integer of 1-3;

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, G in Formula I is O. In another embodiment, X inFormula I is O. In another embodiment, T in Formula I is OH. In anotherembodiment, R₁ in Formula I is CH₃. In another embodiment, Z in FormulaI is NO₂. In another embodiment, Z in Formula I is CN. In anotherembodiment, Y in Formula I is CF₃. In another embodiment, Y in Formula Iis Cl. In another embodiment, Q in Formula I is CN. In anotherembodiment, Q in Formula I is halogen. In another embodiment, Q inFormula I is F. In another embodiment, Q in Formula I is Cl. In anotherembodiment, Q in Formula I is NHCOCH₃. In another embodiment, Q inFormula I is CN and R₂ is F. In another embodiment, Q in Formula I is Cland R₂ is F. In another embodiment, Q in Formula I is in the paraposition. In another embodiment, Z in Formula I is in the para position.In another embodiment, Y in Formula I is in the meta position.

The substituents Z, Y and R₃ can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “A ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstituent Z is in the para position of the A ring. In anotherembodiment, the substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring. Inanother embodiment, the substituent Z is in the para position of the Aring and substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring.

The substituents Q and R₂ can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “B ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstituent Q is in the para position of the B ring. In anotherembodiment, the substituent R₂ is in the meta position of the B ring. Inanother embodiment, the substituent Q is CN and is in the para positionof the B ring.

As contemplated herein, when the integers m and n are greater than one,the substituents R₂ and R₃ are not limited to one particularsubstituent, and can be any combination of the substituents listedabove.

In another embodiment, the compound of this invention which is effectiveat: a) treating a subject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subjectsuffering from refractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a compound of FormulaII, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH or CONHR;

Y is I, CF₃, Br, Cl, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

R is a C₁-C₄ alkyl, aryl, phenyl, alkenyl, hydroxyl, a C₁-C₄ haloalkyl,halogen, or haloalkenyl; and

R₁ is CH₃, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃.

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject, for example a femalesubject. Accordingly, this invention provides methods for: a) treatingAR-positive breast cancer in a subject; b) treating metastaticAR-positive breast cancer, or advanced AR-positive breast cancer; c)treating refractory AR-positive breast cancer; d) treating, preventing,suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from breastcancer; e) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject sufferingfrom breast cancer; f) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; g) treating a subject suffering from metastaticER-positive breast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory ER-positive breast cancer; i) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive ER-positive breast cancer; j) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive ER-positive refractory breast cancer; k)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive ER-positive metastaticbreast cancer; l) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive ER-positive breast cancer with or without expression of PR,and/or HER2; n) treating a subject suffering from advanced ER-positivebreast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; p) treating, preventing, suppressing orinhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer; q) prolonging survival of a subject with ER-positive breastcancer; r) slowing the progression of ER-positive breast cancer in asubject; s) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject withER-positive breast cancer; t) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive HER2-positive breast cancer; u) treating a subject sufferingfrom ER mutant expressing breast cancer, v) treating a subject sufferingfrom Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or w) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound represented by a compound of Formula II:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH or CONHR;

Y is I, CF₃, Br, Cl, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

R is a C₁-C₄ alkyl, aryl, phenyl, alkenyl, hydroxyl, a C₁-C₄ haloalkyl,halogen, or haloalkenyl; and

R₁ is CH₃, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃; and/or its analog, derivative,isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceuticalproduct, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or anycombination thereof, as described herein. In one embodiment, the subjectis a female subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment, this invention provides methods for: a) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive refractory breast cancer; c)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breastcancer; d) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andER-negative breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; f) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive and PR-positive breast cancer; g) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive and PR-negative breast cancer; h)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive and AR-positive breastcancer; i) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andAR-negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;k) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive,PR-negative, and AR-positive breast cancer; l) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive,ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; n) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive breast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;p) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative,PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; and/or q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; comprising administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound represented by a compound of Formula II:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, or NR;

G is O or S;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH or CONHR;

Y is I, CF₃, Br, Cl, or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

R is a C₁-C₄ alkyl, aryl, phenyl, alkenyl, hydroxyl, a C₁-C₄ haloalkyl,halogen, or haloalkenyl; and

R₁ is CH₃, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, G in Formula II is O. In another embodiment, X inFormula II is O. In another embodiment, T in Formula II is OH. Inanother embodiment, R₁ in Formula II is CH₃. In another embodiment, Z inFormula II is NO₂. In another embodiment, Z in Formula II is CN. Inanother embodiment, Y in Formula II is CF₃. In another embodiment, Y inFormula II is halogen. In another embodiment, Y in Formula II is Cl. Inanother embodiment, Q in Formula II is CN. In another embodiment, Q inFormula II is halogen. In another embodiment, Q in Formula II is Cl. Inanother embodiment, Q in Formula II is F. In another embodiment, Q inFormula II is NHCOCH₃. In another embodiment, Q in Formula II is in thepara position. In another embodiment, Z in Formula II is in the paraposition. In another embodiment, Y in Formula II is in the metaposition. In another embodiment, G in Formula II is O, T is OH, R₁ isCH₃, X is O, Z is CN, Y is CF₃ or halogen and Q is CN or F. In anotherembodiment, G in Formula II is O, T is OH, R₁ is CH₃, X is O, Z is NO₂,Y is CF₃ and Q is NHCOCH₃, F or Cl.

The substituents Z and Y can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “A ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstituent Z is in the para position of the A ring. In anotherembodiment, the substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring. Inanother embodiment, the substituent Z is in the para position of the Aring and substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring.

The substituent Q can be in any position of the ring carrying thissubstituent (hereinafter “B ring”). In one embodiment, the substituent Qis in the para position of the B ring. In another embodiment, thesubstituent Q is CN and is in the para position of the B ring.

In another embodiment, the compound of this invention which is effectiveat: a) treating a subject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subjectsuffering from refractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or u) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula III, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

wherein

Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH.

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject, for example a femalesubject. Accordingly, this invention provides methods for: a) treatingAR-positive breast cancer in a subject; b) treating metastaticAR-positive breast cancer, or advanced AR-positive breast cancer; c)treating refractory AR-positive breast cancer; d) treating, preventing,suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from breastcancer; e) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject sufferingfrom breast cancer; f) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; g) treating a subject suffering from metastaticER-positive breast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory ER-positive breast cancer; i) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive ER-positive breast cancer; j) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive ER-positive refractory breast cancer; k)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive ER-positive metastaticbreast cancer; l) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive ER-positive breast cancer with or without expression of PR,and/or HER2; n) treating a subject suffering from advanced ER-positivebreast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3K)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; p) treating, preventing, suppressing orinhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer; q) prolonging survival of a subject with ER-positive breastcancer; r) slowing the progression of ER-positive breast cancer in asubject; s) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject withER-positive breast cancer; t) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive HER2-positive breast cancer; and/or u) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake; comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound represented by a compound of Formula III:

wherein

Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

and

-   -   R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂,        CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;        and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,        pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,        hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination        thereof, as described herein. In one embodiment, the subject is        a female subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a male        subject.

In another embodiment, this invention provides methods for: a) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive refractory breast cancer; c)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breastcancer; d) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andER-negative breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; f) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive and PR-positive breast cancer; g) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive and PR-negative breast cancer; h)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive and AR-positive breastcancer; i) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andAR-negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;k) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive,PR-negative, and AR-positive breast cancer; l) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive,ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; n) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive breast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;p) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative,PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; and/or q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; comprising administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound represented by a compound of Formula III:

wherein

Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

and

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, Z in Formula III is NO₂. In another embodiment, Z inFormula III is CN. In another embodiment, Y in Formula III is CF₃. Inanother embodiment, Y in Formula III is Cl. In another embodiment, Y inFormula III is halogen. In another embodiment, Q in Formula III is CN.In another embodiment, Q in Formula III is halogen. In anotherembodiment, Q in Formula III is F. In another embodiment, Q in FormulaIII is Cl. In another embodiment, Q in Formula III is NHCOCH₃. Inanother embodiment, Z is CN, Y is CF₃ or halogen, and Q is CN or F. Inanother embodiment, Z is NO₂, Y is CF₃, and Q is NHCOCH₃, F or Cl.

In another embodiment, the compound of this invention which is effectiveat: a) treating a subject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subjectsuffering from refractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula IV, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO or NR;

G is O or S;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;

A is a ring selected from:

B is a ring selected from:

wherein A and B cannot simultaneously be a benzene ring;

Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;

Q₁ and Q₂ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃,Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR,NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R,SR, or

Q₃ and Q₄ are independently of each other a hydrogen, alkyl, halogen,CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR,OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR,OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

W₁ is O, NH, NR, NO or S; and

W₂ is N or NO.

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject, for example a femalesubject. Accordingly, this invention provides methods for: a) treatingAR-positive breast cancer in a subject; b) treating metastaticAR-positive breast cancer, or advanced AR-positive breast cancer; c)treating refractory AR-positive breast cancer; d) treating, preventing,suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from breastcancer; e) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject sufferingfrom breast cancer; f) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; g) treating a subject suffering from metastaticER-positive breast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory ER-positive breast cancer; i) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive ER-positive breast cancer; j) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive ER-positive refractory breast cancer; k)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive ER-positive metastaticbreast cancer; l) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive ER-positive breast cancer with or without expression of PR,and/or HER2; n) treating a subject suffering from advanced ER-positivebreast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; p) treating, preventing, suppressing orinhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer; q) prolonging survival of a subject with ER-positive breastcancer; r) slowing the progression of ER-positive breast cancer in asubject; s) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject withER-positive breast cancer; t) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive HER2-positive breast cancer; u) treating a subject sufferingfrom ER mutant expressing breast cancer, v) treating a subject sufferingfrom Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or w) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound represented by a compound of Formula IV:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO or NR;

G is O or S;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;

A is a ring selected from:

B is a ring selected from:

wherein A and B cannot simultaneously be a benzene ring;

Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;

Q₁ and Q₂ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃,Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR,NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R,SR, or

Q₃ and Q₄ are independently of each other a hydrogen, alkyl, halogen,CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR,OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR,OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

W₁ is O, NH, NR, NO or S; and

W₂ is N or NO;

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In another embodiment, this invention provides methods for: a) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive refractory breast cancer; c)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breastcancer; d) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andER-negative breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; f) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive and PR-positive breast cancer; g) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive and PR-negative breast cancer; h)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive and AR-positive breastcancer; i) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andAR-negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;k) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive,PR-negative, and AR-positive breast cancer; l) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive,ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; n) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive breast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;p) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative,PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; and/or q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; comprising administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound represented by a compound of Formula IV:

wherein

X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO or NR;

G is O or S;

R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃;

T is OH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR;

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;

A is a ring selected from:

B is a ring selected from:

wherein A and B cannot simultaneously be a benzene ring;

Z is NO₂, CN, COOH, COR, NHCOR or CONHR;

Y is CF₃, F, I, Br, Cl, CN, C(R)₃ or Sn(R)₃;

Q₁ and Q₂ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, halogen, CF₃, CN, C(R)₃,Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR,NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R,SR, or

Q₃ and Q₄ are independently of each other a hydrogen, alkyl, halogen,CF₃, CN, C(R)₃, Sn(R)₃, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR,OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR,OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

W₁ is O, NH, NR, NO or S; and

W₂ is N or NO;

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, G in Formula IV is O. In another embodiment, X inFormula IV is O. In another embodiment, T in Formula IV is OH. Inanother embodiment, R₁ in Formula IV is CH₃. In another embodiment, Z inFormula IV is NO₂. In another embodiment, Z in Formula IV is CN. Inanother embodiment, Y in Formula IV is CF₃. In another embodiment, Y inFormula IV is halogen. In another embodiment, Y in Formula IV is Cl. Inanother embodiment, Q₁ in Formula II is CN. In another embodiment, Q₁ inFormula IV is F. In another embodiment, Q₁ in Formula IV is Cl. Inanother embodiment, Q₁ in Formula II is NHCOCH₃. In another embodiment,Q₁ in Formula IV is in the para position. In another embodiment, Z inFormula IV is in the para position. In another embodiment, Y in FormulaIV is in the meta position. In another embodiment, G in Formula IV is O,T is OH, R₁ is CH₃, X is O, Z is NO₂ or CN, Y is CF₃ or halogen and Q₁is CN, F, Cl, or NHCOCH₃.

The substituents Z and Y can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “A ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstituent Z is in the para position of the A ring. In anotherembodiment, the substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring. Inanother embodiment, the substituent Z is in the para position of the Aring and substituent Y is in the meta position of the A ring.

The substituents Q₁ and Q₂ can be in any position of the ring carryingthese substituents (hereinafter “B ring”). In one embodiment, thesubstituent Q₁ is in the para position of the B ring. In anotherembodiment, the substituent is Q₂ is H. In another embodiment, thesubstituent Q₁ is in the para position of the B ring and the substituentis Q₂ is H. In another embodiment, the substituent Q₁ is CN and is inthe para position of the B ring, and the substituent is Q₂ is H.

As contemplated herein, other specific embodiments of compounds includedwithin the scope of the present invention, and which are useful in: a)treating a subject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subjectsuffering from metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject sufferingfrom refractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, are Formula V or VI. It is understood thatincluded within the scope of the present invention are analogs,derivatives, metabolites, isomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts,pharmaceutical products, hydrates, N-oxides, polymorphs, crystals,prodrugs or combinations thereof of these compounds:

wherein

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

and

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH.

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject, for example a femalesubject. Accordingly, this invention provides methods for: a) treatingAR-positive breast cancer in a subject; b) treating metastaticAR-positive breast cancer, or advanced AR-positive breast cancer; c)treating refractory AR-positive breast cancer; d) treating, preventing,suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from breastcancer; e) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject sufferingfrom breast cancer; f) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; g) treating a subject suffering from metastaticER-positive breast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory ER-positive breast cancer; i) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive ER-positive breast cancer; j) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive ER-positive refractory breast cancer; k)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive ER-positive metastaticbreast cancer; l) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive ER-positive breast cancer with or without expression of PR,and/or HER2; n) treating a subject suffering from advanced ER-positivebreast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3K)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; p) treating, preventing, suppressing orinhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer; q) prolonging survival of a subject with ER-positive breastcancer; r) slowing the progression of ER-positive breast cancer in asubject; s) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject withER-positive breast cancer; t) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive HER2-positive breast cancer; u) treating a subject sufferingfrom ER mutant expressing breast cancer, v) treating a subject sufferingfrom Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or w) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound represented by the following structures ofFormula V or VI:

wherein

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

and

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In another embodiment, this invention provides methods for: a) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive refractory breast cancer; c)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breastcancer; d) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andER-negative breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; f) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive and PR-positive breast cancer; g) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive and PR-negative breast cancer; h)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive and AR-positive breastcancer; i) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andAR-negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;k) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive,PR-negative, and AR-positive breast cancer; l) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive,ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; n) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive breast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;p) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative,PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; and/or q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; comprising administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound represented by a compound of Formula V or VI:

wherein

Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, NHCONHR,NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR,COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR;

or Q together with the benzene ring to which it is attached is a fusedring system represented by structure A, B or C:

and

R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl, trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃,CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl or OH;

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, Q in Formula V or VI is CN. In one embodiment, Q inFormula V or VI is halogen. In one embodiment, Q in Formula V or VI isF. In one embodiment, Q in Formula V or VI is Cl. In one embodiment, Qin Formula V or VI is NHCOCH₃.

In another embodiment, the compound of this invention which is effectiveat: a) treating a subject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subjectsuffering from refractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula VII, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

wherein Z is Cl or CF₃.

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject, for example a femalesubject. Accordingly, this invention provides methods for: a) treatingAR-positive breast cancer in a subject; b) treating metastaticAR-positive breast cancer, or advanced AR-positive breast cancer; c)treating refractory AR-positive breast cancer; d) treating, preventing,suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from breastcancer; e) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject sufferingfrom breast cancer; f) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; g) treating a subject suffering from metastaticER-positive breast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory ER-positive breast cancer; i) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive ER-positive breast cancer; j) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive ER-positive refractory breast cancer; k)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive ER-positive metastaticbreast cancer; l) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive ER-positive breast cancer with or without expression of PR,and/or HER2; n) treating a subject suffering from advanced ER-positivebreast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; p) treating, preventing, suppressing orinhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer; q) prolonging survival of a subject with ER-positive breastcancer; r) slowing the progression of ER-positive breast cancer in asubject; s) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject withER-positive breast cancer; t) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive HER2-positive breast cancer; and/or u) treating a subjectsuffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer, v) treating a subjectsuffering from Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or w)treating breast cancer in a subject, by first determining the18F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound represented by the following structures ofFormula VII:

wherein Z is Cl or CF₃;and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject

In another embodiment, this invention provides methods for: a) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive refractory breast cancer; c)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breastcancer; d) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andER-negative breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; f) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive and PR-positive breast cancer; g) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive and PR-negative breast cancer; h)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive and AR-positive breastcancer; i) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andAR-negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;k) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive,PR-negative, and AR-positive breast cancer; l) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive,ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; n) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive breast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;p) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative,PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; and/or q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; comprising administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound represented by a compound of Formula VII:

wherein Z is Cl or CF₃;and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In another embodiment, the compound which is effective at: a) treating asubject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject sufferingfrom metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula VIII, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

In another embodiment, the compound which is effective at: a) treating asubject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject sufferingfrom metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula IX, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

In another embodiment, the compound which is effective at: a) treating asubject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject sufferingfrom metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer, and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula X, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

In another embodiment, the compound which is effective at: a) treating asubject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject sufferingfrom metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula XI, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

In another embodiment, the compound which is effective at: a) treating asubject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject sufferingfrom metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula XII, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

In another embodiment, the compound which is effective at: a) treating asubject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject sufferingfrom metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer, and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a compound of FormulaXIII, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

In another embodiment, the compound which is effective at: a) treating asubject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject sufferingfrom metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subject suffering from ERmutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subject suffering fromY537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, is a compound represented by a structure ofFormula XIV, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof:

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject, for example a femalesubject. Accordingly, this invention provides methods for: a) treatingAR-positive breast cancer in a subject; b) treating metastaticAR-positive breast cancer, or advanced AR-positive breast cancer; c)treating refractory AR-positive breast cancer; d) treating, preventing,suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from breastcancer; e) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject sufferingfrom breast cancer; f) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; g) treating a subject suffering from metastaticER-positive breast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory ER-positive breast cancer; i) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive ER-positive breast cancer; j) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive ER-positive refractory breast cancer; k)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive ER-positive metastaticbreast cancer; l) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive ER-positive breast cancer with or without expression of PR,and/or HER2; n) treating a subject suffering from advanced ER-positivebreast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (A) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; p) treating, preventing, suppressing orinhibiting metastasis in a subject suffering from ER-positive breastcancer; q) prolonging survival of a subject with ER-positive breastcancer; r) slowing the progression of ER-positive breast cancer in asubject; s) prolonging progression-free survival of a subject withER-positive breast cancer; and/or t) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive HER2-positive breast cancer; u) treating a subject sufferingfrom ER mutant expressing breast cancer, v) treating a subject sufferingfrom Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or w) treating breastcancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound represented by the following structures ofFormulae VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII or XIV:

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In another embodiment, this invention provides methods for: a) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; b) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive refractory breast cancer; c)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive metastatic breastcancer; d) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andER-negative breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; f) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive and PR-positive breast cancer; g) treatinga subject suffering from HER2-positive and PR-negative breast cancer; h)treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive and AR-positive breastcancer; i) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive andAR-negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;k) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive,PR-negative, and AR-positive breast cancer; l) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; m) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive,ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; n) treating asubject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive breast cancer; o) treating a subject suffering fromHER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive breast cancer;p) treating a subject suffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative,PR-positive, and AR-negative breast cancer; and/or q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive, ER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negativebreast cancer; comprising administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM)compound represented by the following structures of Formulae VIII, IX,X, XI, XII, XIII or XIV:

and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal,polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, as described herein. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, the methods of this invention make use of a compoundof Formula VIII. In one embodiment, the methods of this invention makeuse of a compound of Formula IX. In one embodiment, the methods of thisinvention make use of a compound of Formula X. In one embodiment, themethods of this invention make use of a compound of Formula XI. In oneembodiment, the methods of this invention make use of a compound ofFormula XII. In one embodiment, the methods of this invention make useof a compound of Formula XIII. In one embodiment, the methods of thisinvention make use of a compound of Formula XIV.

In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering an analog of the compound of Formulae I-XIV. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa derivative of the compound of Formulae I-XIV. In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering an isomer ofthe compound of Formulae I-XIV. In another embodiment, the methods ofthe present invention comprise administering a metabolite of thecompound of Formulae I-XIV. In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt of the compound of Formulae I-XIV. In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a pharmaceuticalproduct of the compound of Formulae I-XIV. In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a hydrate of thecompound of Formulae I-XIV. In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering an N-oxide of the compound ofFormulae I-XIV. In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a polymorph of the compound of FormulaeI-XIV. In another embodiment, the methods of the present inventioncomprise administering a crystal of the compound of Formulae I-XIV. Inanother embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a prodrug of the compound of Formulae I-XIV. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa combination of any of an analog, derivative, metabolite, isomer,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, polymorph, crystal or prodrug of the compound of FormulaeI-XIV.

In one embodiment, the methods of this invention comprise administeringa compound of Formulae I-XIV. In another embodiment, the methods of thisinvention comprise administering a compound of Formula I. In anotherembodiment, the methods of this invention comprise administering acompound of Formula II. In another embodiment, the methods of thisinvention comprise administering a compound of Formula III. In anotherembodiment, the methods of this invention comprise administering acompound of Formula IV. In another embodiment, the methods of thisinvention comprise administering a compound of Formula V. In anotherembodiment, the methods of this invention comprise administering acompound of Formula VI. In another embodiment, the methods of thisinvention comprise administering a compound of Formula VII. In anotherembodiment, the methods of this invention comprise administering acompound of Formula VIII. In another embodiment, the methods of thisinvention comprise administering a compound of Formula IX. In anotherembodiment, the methods of this invention comprise administering acompound of Formula X. In another embodiment, the methods of thisinvention comprise administering a compound of Formula XI. In anotherembodiment, the methods of this invention comprise administering acompound of Formula XII. In another embodiment, the methods of thisinvention comprise administering a compound of Formula XIII. In anotherembodiment, the methods of this invention comprise administering acompound of Formula XIV.

The compounds of the present invention, either alone or as apharmaceutical composition, are useful for: a) treating a subjectsuffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject suffering frommetastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) prolonging survival of a subject withER-positive breast cancer; r) slowing the progression of ER-positivebreast cancer in a subject; s) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with ER-positive breast cancer; t) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive HER2-positive breast cancer, u) treating a subjectsuffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer, v) treating a subjectsuffering from Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or w)treating breast cancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake.

The compounds of the present invention offer a significant advance oversteroidal androgen treatment since treatment of breast cancer with thesecompounds will not be accompanied by serious side effects, inconvenientmodes of administration, or high costs and still have the advantages oforal bioavailability, lack of cross-reactivity with other steroidreceptors, lack of aromatizability, and long biological half-lives.

In one embodiment, this invention relates to the treatment of androgenreceptor-positive breast cancer in a subject. Accordingly, thisinvention provides methods of: a) treating a subject suffering frombreast cancer; b) treating a subject suffering from metastatic breastcancer; c) treating a subject suffering from refractory breast cancer;d) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer; e)treating a subject suffering from AR-positive refractory breast cancer;f) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive metastatic breastcancer; g) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive and ER-positivebreast cancer; h) treating a subject suffering from AR-positive breastcancer with or without expression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating asubject suffering from triple negative breast cancer; j) treating asubject suffering from advanced breast cancer; k) treating a subjectsuffering from breast cancer that has failed selective estrogen receptormodulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; and/or p) prolonging progression-freesurvival of a subject with breast cancer; q) treating a subjectsuffering from HER2-positive breast cancer; r) treating a subjectsuffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer, s) treating a subjectsuffering from Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer; and/or t)treating breast cancer in a subject, by first determining the¹⁸F-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (¹⁸F-DHT) tumor uptake andidentifying said subject as having AR-positive breast cancer based on¹⁸F-DHT tumor uptake, by administering to the subject a therapeuticallyeffective amount of a selective androgen receptor modulator of FormulaeI-XIV of this invention, and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, as described herein.

As defined herein, the term “isomer” includes, but is not limited to,optical isomers and analogs, structural isomers and analogs,conformational isomers and analogs, and the like. As used herein, theterm “isomer” may also be referred to herein as an “enantiomer” havingall of the qualities and properties of an “isomer”.

In one embodiment, this invention encompasses the use of various opticalisomers of the selective androgen receptor modulator. It will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the selective androgenreceptor modulators of the present invention contain at least one chiralcenter. Accordingly, the selective androgen receptor modulators used inthe methods of the present invention may exist in, and be isolated in,optically-active or racemic forms. Some compounds may also exhibitpolymorphism. It is to be understood that the present inventionencompasses any racemic, optically-active, polymorphic, orstereoisomeric form, or any combination thereof, which form possessesproperties useful in the treatment of androgen-related conditionsdescribed herein. In one embodiment, the selective androgen receptormodulators are the pure (R)-isomers. In another embodiment, theselective androgen receptor modulators are the pure (S)-isomers. Inanother embodiment, the selective androgen receptor modulators are amixture of the (R) and the (S) isomers. In another embodiment, theselective androgen receptor modulators are a racemic mixture comprisingan equal amount of the (R) and the (S) isomers. It is well known in theart how to prepare optically-active forms (for example, by resolution ofthe racemic form by recrystallization techniques, by synthesis fromoptically-active starting materials, by chiral synthesis, or bychromatographic separation using a chiral stationary phase).

The invention includes “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” of thecompounds of this invention, which may be produced, by reaction of acompound of this invention with an acid or base.

The invention includes pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofamino-substituted compounds with organic and inorganic acids, forexample, citric acid and hydrochloric acid. The invention also includesN-oxides of the amino substituents of the compounds described herein.Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can also be prepared from the phenoliccompounds by treatment with inorganic bases, for example, sodiumhydroxide. Also, esters of the phenolic compounds can be made withaliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids, for example, acetic acid andbenzoic acid esters.

Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of FormulaeI-XIV may be prepared from an inorganic acid or from an organic acid. Inone embodiment, examples of inorganic salts of the compounds of thisinvention are bisulfates, borates, bromides, chlorides, hemisulfates,hydrobromates, hydrochlorates, 2-hydroxyethylsulfonates(hydroxyethanesulfonates), iodates, iodides, isothionates, nitrates,persulfates, phosphate, sulfates, sulfamates, sulfanilates, sulfonicacids (alkylsulfonates, arylsulfonates, halogen substitutedalkylsulfonates, halogen substituted arylsulfonates), sulfonates andthiocyanates.

In one embodiment, examples of organic salts of the compounds of thisinvention may be selected from aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic,araliphatic, heterocyclic, carboxylic and sulfonic classes of organicacids, examples of which are acetates, arginines, aspartates,ascorbates, adipates, anthranilates, algenates, alkane carboxylates,substituted alkane carboxylates, alginates, benzenesulfonates,benzoates, bisulfates, butyrates, bicarbonates, bitartrates, citrates,camphorates, camphorsulfonates, cyclohexylsulfamates,cyclopentanepropionates, calcium edetates, camsylates, carbonates,clavulanates, cinnamates, dicarboxylates, digluconates,dodecylsulfonates, dihydrochlorides, decanoates, enanthuates,ethanesulfonates, edetates, edisylates, estolates, esylates, fumarates,formates, fluorides, galacturonates gluconates, glutamates, glycolates,glucorate, glucoheptanoates, glycerophosphates, gluceptates,glycollylarsanilates, glutarates, glutamate, heptanoates, hexanoates,hydroxymaleates, hydroxycarboxlic acids, hexylresorcinates,hydroxybenzoates, hydroxynaphthoate, hydrofluorate, lactates,lactobionates, laurates, malates, maleates,methylenebis(beta-oxynaphthoate), malonates, mandelates, mesylates,methane sulfonates, methylbromides, methylnitrates, methylsulfonates,monopotassium maleates, mucates, monocarboxylates, nitrates,naphthalenesulfonates, 2-naphthalenesulfonates, nicotinates, napsylates,N-methylglucamines, oxalates, octanoates, oleates, pamoates,phenylacetates, picrates, phenylbenzoates, pivalates, propionates,phthalates, phenylacetate, pectinates, phenylpropionates, palmitates,pantothenates, polygalacturates, pyruvates, quinates, salicylates,succinates, stearates, sulfanilate, subacetates, tartrates,theophyllineacetates, p-toluenesulfonates (tosylates),trifluoroacetates, terephthalates, tannates, teoclates, trihaloacetates,triethiodide, tricarboxylates, undecanoates and valerates.

In one embodiment, the salts may be formed by conventional means, suchas by reacting the free base or free acid form of the product with oneor more equivalents of the appropriate acid or base in a solvent ormedium in which the salt is insoluble or in a solvent such as water,which is removed in vacuo or by freeze drying or by exchanging the ionsof an existing salt for another ion or suitable ion-exchange resin.

This invention further includes derivatives of the selective androgenreceptor modulators. The term “derivatives” includes but is not limitedto ether derivatives, acid derivatives, amide derivatives, esterderivatives and the like. In addition, this invention further includeshydrates of the selective androgen receptor modulators. The term“hydrate” includes but is not limited to hemihydrate, monohydrate,dihydrate, trihydrate and the like.

This invention further includes metabolites of the selective androgenreceptor modulators. The term “metabolite” means any substance producedfrom another substance by metabolism or a metabolic process.

This invention further includes pharmaceutical products of the selectiveandrogen receptor modulators. The term “pharmaceutical product” means acomposition suitable for pharmaceutical use (pharmaceuticalcomposition), as defined herein.

This invention further includes prodrugs of the selective androgenreceptor modulators. The term “prodrug” means a substance which can beconverted in vivo into a biologically active agent by such reactions ashydrolysis, esterification, de-esterification, activation, saltformation and the like.

This invention further includes crystals of the selective androgenreceptor modulators. Furthermore, this invention provides polymorphs ofthe selective androgen receptor modulators. The term “crystal” means asubstance in a crystalline state. The term “polymorph” refers to aparticular crystalline state of a substance, having particular physicalproperties such as X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, melting point, and thelike.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from breast cancer, comprising the step ofadministering to the subject a selective androgen receptor modulator ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, in an amount effective to treat breast cancer in the subject.In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In anotherembodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from metastatic breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a selective androgen receptormodulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog,derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt,pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug orany combination thereof, in an amount effective to treat metastaticbreast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from refractory breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a selective androgen receptormodulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog,derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt,pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug orany combination thereof, in an amount effective to treat refractorybreast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a selective androgen receptormodulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog,derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt,pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug orany combination thereof, in an amount effective to treat AR-positivebreast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer is ER, PR andHER2-positive. In another embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer isER, PR and HER2-negative. In one embodiment, the AR-positive breastcancer is ER-positive, and PR and HER2-negative. In another embodiment,the AR-positive breast cancer is ER and PR-positive, and HER2-negative.In yet another embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer is ER andHER2-positive, and PR-negative. In still another embodiment, theAR-positive breast cancer is ER-negative, and PR and HER2-positive. In afurther embodiment, the AR-positive breast cancer is ER and PR-negative,and HER2-positive. In still a further embodiment, the AR-positive breastcancer is ER and HER2-negative, and PR-positive. In one embodiment, theAR-positive breast cancer is ER-negative. In another embodiment, theAR-positive breast cancer is ER-positive.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive refractory breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a selective androgenreceptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or itsanalog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treatAR-positive refractory breast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment,the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is amale subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive metastatic breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a selective androgenreceptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or itsanalog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treatAR-positive metastatic breast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment,the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is amale subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from ER-positive breast cancer, comprisingthe step of administering to the subject a selective androgen receptormodulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog,derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt,pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug orany combination thereof, in an amount effective to treat ER-positivebreast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breastcancer, comprising the step of administering to the subject a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/orits analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treatAR-positive metastatic breast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment,the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is amale subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from ER-positive refractory breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a selective androgenreceptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or itsanalog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treatER-positive refractory breast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment,the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is amale subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from ER-positive metastatic breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a selective androgenreceptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or itsanalog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treatER-positive metastatic breast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment,the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is amale subject.

In one embodiment, an ER-positive breast cancer is AR-positive. Inanother embodiment, an ER-positive breast cancer is AR-negative.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from advanced breast cancer, comprising thestep of administering to the subject a selective androgen receptormodulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog,derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt,pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug orany combination thereof, in an amount effective to treat advanced breastcancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breastcancer, comprising the step of administering to the subject a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/orits analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treatAR-positive and ER-positive refractory breast cancer in the subject. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment,the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from AR-positive and ER-negative breastcancer, comprising the step of administering to the subject a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/orits analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treatAR-positive and ER-negative metastatic breast cancer in the subject. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment,the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from triple negative breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a selective androgenreceptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of this invention and/or itsanalog, derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptablesalt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph,prodrug or any combination thereof, in an amount effective to treattriple negative breast cancer in the subject. In one embodiment, thesubject is a female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is amale subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from breast cancer that has failedselective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene,raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin),aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane),cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance),ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib),mTOR inhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments, comprising the step of administering to thesubject a selective androgen receptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat breast cancer that has failed selectiveestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject isa female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating, preventing, suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subjectsuffering from breast cancer, comprising the step of administering tothe subject a selective androgen receptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat, prevent, suppress or inhibit metastasis inthe subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. Inanother embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating and/or preventing skeletal related events in a subjectsuffering, comprising the step of administering to the subject aselective androgen receptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV of thisinvention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat and/or prevent skeletal related events in thesubject. In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In anotherembodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forimproving libido in a subject, comprising the step of administering tothe subject a selective androgen receptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to improve libido in the subject. In one embodiment,the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment, the subject is amale subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided forimproving quality of life in a subject, comprising the step ofadministering to the subject a selective androgen receptor modulator ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, in an amount effective to quality of life in the subject. Inone embodiment, the subject is a female subject. In another embodiment,the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating, preventing, suppressing or inhibiting metastasis in a subjectsuffering from breast cancer, comprising the step of administering tothe subject a selective androgen receptor modulator of Formulae I-XIV ofthis invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer, metabolite,pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combination thereof, in anamount effective to treat, prevent, suppress or inhibit metastasis inthe subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. Inanother embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, in an amount effective to treat HER2-positive breast cancer inthe subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a female subject. Inanother embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In one embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is HER2-positiverefractory breast cancer. In another embodiment, the HER2-positivebreast cancer is HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. In oneembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is ER-negative. In anotherembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is ER-positive. In oneembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is PR-positive. In anotherembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is PR-negative. In oneembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is AR-positive. In anotherembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is AR-negative.

In certain embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is ER-positive,PR-positive, and AR-positive. In another embodiment, the HER2-positivebreast cancer is ER-positive, PR-negative, and AR-positive. In anotherembodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer is ER-positive, PR-negative,and AR-negative. In another embodiment, the HER2-positive breast canceris ER-positive, PR-positive, and AR-negative. In another embodiment, theHER2-positive breast cancer is ER-negative, PR-negative, andAR-positive. In another embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer isER-negative, PR-positive, and AR-positive. In other embodiment, theHER2-positive breast cancer is ER-negative, PR-positive, andAR-negative. In certain embodiment, the HER2-positive breast cancer isER-negative, PR-negative, and AR-negative.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided fortreating a subject suffering from ER mutant expressing breast cancer,comprising the step of administering to the subject a compound ofFormulae I-XIV of this invention and/or its analog, derivative, isomer,metabolite, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, pharmaceutical product,hydrate, N-oxide, crystal, polymorph, prodrug or any combinationthereof, in an amount effective to treat ER mutant expressing breastcancer in the subject. In one embodiment, the subject is a femalesubject. In another embodiment, the subject is a male subject.

In certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast cancer is Y537Smutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, the ERmutant expressing breast cancer is D351Y mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris E380Q mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is V422del mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris S432L mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is G442A mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris S463P mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is L469V mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris L536R mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is L536H mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris L536P mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is L536Q mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris Y537N mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is Y537C mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris Y537D mutation expressing breast cancer. In a certain embodiment, theER mutant expressing breast cancer is D538G mutation expressing breastcancer. In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast canceris E542G mutation expressing breast cancer. In one embodiment, ER mutantexpressing breast cancer refers to mutants of ER-alpha.

In a certain embodiment, the ER mutant expressing breast cancer is asdescribed in Cancer Cell 2018, 33, 173-186, or in Nat Rev Cancer. 2018June; 18(6):377-388, which are incorporated herein by reference. In oneembodiment, ER mutant expressing breast cancer refers to mutants ofER-alpha.

The substituent R is defined herein as an alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl,trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃; aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl,or hydroxyl (OH).

An “alkyl” group refers to a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon, includingstraight-chain, branched-chain and cyclic alkyl groups. In oneembodiment, the alkyl group has 1-12 carbons. In another embodiment, thealkyl group has 1-7 carbons. In another embodiment, the alkyl group has1-6 carbons. In another embodiment, the alkyl group has 1-4 carbons. Thealkyl group may be unsubstituted or substituted by one or more groupsselected from halogen, hydroxy, alkoxy carbonyl, amido, alkylamido,dialkylamido, nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxyl, thio andthioalkyl.

A “haloalkyl” group refers to an alkyl group as defined above, which issubstituted by one or more halogen atoms, e.g., by F, Cl, Br or I.

An “aryl” group refers to an aromatic group having at least onecarbocyclic aromatic group or heterocyclic aromatic group, which may beunsubstituted or substituted by one or more groups selected fromhalogen, haloalkyl, hydroxy, alkoxy carbonyl, amido, alkylamido,dialkylamido, nitro, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, carboxy or thio orthioalkyl. Nonlimiting examples of aryl rings are phenyl, naphthyl,pyranyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl,furanyl, thiophenyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, isoxazolyl, and the like.

A “hydroxyl” group refers to an OH group. An “alkenyl” group refers to agroup having at least one carbon to carbon double bond. A halo grouprefers to F, Cl, Br or I.

An “arylalkyl” group refers to an alkyl bound to an aryl, wherein alkyland aryl are as defined above. An example of an aralkyl group is abenzyl group.

Biological Activity of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators

The selective androgen receptor modulators provided herein are a newclass of compounds, which suppress growth of AR-positive breast cancers.The compounds of this invention have a tissue-selective myoanabolicactivity profile of a nonsteroidal ligand for the androgen receptor.Furthermore, compounds of the present invention are non-aromatizable,non-virilizing, and are not commonly cross-reactive with ER and PR. Inaddition, in one embodiment, the selective androgen receptor modulators(SARMs) of the present invention are beneficial to refractory breastcancer patients undergoing chemotherapy due to anabolism.

As contemplated herein, the appropriately substituted selective androgenreceptor modulators of the present invention are useful for: a) treatinga subject suffering from breast cancer; b) treating a subject sufferingfrom metastatic breast cancer; c) treating a subject suffering fromrefractory breast cancer; d) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive breast cancer; e) treating a subject suffering fromAR-positive refractory breast cancer; f) treating a subject sufferingfrom AR-positive metastatic breast cancer; g) treating a subjectsuffering from AR-positive and ER-positive breast cancer; h) treating asubject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer with or withoutexpression of ER, PR, and/or HER2; i) treating a subject suffering fromtriple negative breast cancer; j) treating a subject suffering fromadvanced breast cancer; k) treating a subject suffering from breastcancer that has failed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)(tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole,anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib(Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTOR inhibitor (everolimus),trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumab emtansine), pertuzumab(Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments; l) treating a subject suffering from ER-positivebreast cancer; m) treating, preventing, suppressing or inhibitingmetastasis in a subject suffering from breast cancer; n) prolongingsurvival of a subject with breast cancer; o) slowing the progression ofbreast cancer in a subject; p) prolonging progression-free survival of asubject with breast cancer; q) treating HER2-positive breast cancer; r)treating ER mutant expressing breast cancer, and/or s) treating asubject suffering from Y537S ER mutant expressing breast cancer.

In one embodiment, a “refractory breast cancer” is abreast cancer thathas not responded to treatment. In another embodiment, a “refractorybreast cancer” is a breast cancer resistant to treatment. In oneembodiment, refractory breast cancer is refractory metastatic breastcancer. In one embodiment, refractory breast cancer has not responded totreatment with anthracyclines, taxanes, capecitabine, ixabepilone,selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene,raloxifene), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin),aromatase inhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane),cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance),ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib),mTOR inhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3K)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, a “triple negative breast cancer” is defined by lackof expression of estrogen, progesterone, and ErbB2 (also known as humanepidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)) receptors. This subgroupaccounts for 15% of all types of breast cancer. This subtype of breastcancer is clinically characterized as more aggressive and lessresponsive to standard treatment and associated with poorer overallpatient prognosis.

In one embodiment, the methods of this invention are directed totreating a subject suffering from AR-positive breast cancer, regardlessof grade, stage or prior treatments.

In one embodiment, the methods of this invention are directed totreating a subject suffering from HER2-positive breast cancer,regardless of grade, stage or prior treatments.

In one embodiment, the methods of this invention are first, second,third, or fourth line therapies for breast cancer. A first line therapyrefers to a medical therapy recommended for the initial treatment of adisease, sign or symptom. A second line therapy therapy is given wheninitial treatment (first-line therapy) does not work, or stops working.Third line therapy is given when both initial treatment (first-linetherapy) and subsequent treatment (second-line therapy) does not work,or stop working, etc.

As used herein, “kinases” are a group of enzymes that catalyze thetransfer of a phosphate group from a donor, such as ADP or ATP, to anacceptor. In one embodiment, phosphorylation results in a functionalchange of the target protein (substrate) by changing enzyme activity,cellular location, or association with other protein kinases. Kinasesregulate the majority of cellular pathways, especially those involved insignal transduction. In one embodiment, deregulated kinase activity is afrequent cause of disease, in particular cancer, wherein kinasesregulate many aspects that control cell growth, movement and death. Inone embodiment, drugs that inhibit specific kinases are used to treatkinase-related diseases, including cancer. In one embodiment,HER2-positive breast cancers are susceptible to HER2 kinase inhibitors(e.g., trastuzumab and lapatinib) and are generally used in metastaticdisease. However, some breast cancers are refractory to HER2 kinaseinhibitor treatment.

As used herein, receptors for extracellular signaling molecules arecollectively referred to as “cell signaling receptors”. Many cellsignaling receptors are transmembrane proteins on a cell surface; whenthey bind an extracellular signaling molecule (i.e., a ligand), theybecome activated so as to generate a cascade of intracellular signalsthat alter the behavior of the cell. In contrast, in some cases, thereceptors are inside the cell and the signaling ligand has to enter thecell to activate them; these signaling molecules therefore must besufficiently small and hydrophobic to diffuse across the plasma membraneof the cell.

Steroid hormones are one example of small hydrophobic molecules thatdiffuse directly across the plasma membrane of target cells and bind tointracellular cell signaling receptors. These receptors are structurallyrelated and constitute the intracellular receptor superfamily (orsteroid-hormone receptor superfamily). Steroid hormone receptors includebut are not limited to progesterone receptors, estrogen receptors,androgen receptors, glucocorticoid receptors, and mineralocorticoidreceptors. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed toandrogen receptors. In one embodiment, the present invention is directedto androgen receptor agonists. In one embodiment, the present inventionis directed to progesterone receptors. In one embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to progesterone receptor antagonists.

In addition to ligand binding to the receptors, the receptors can beblocked to prevent ligand binding. When a substance binds to a receptor,the three-dimensional structure of the substance fits into a spacecreated by the three-dimensional structure of the receptor in a ball andsocket configuration. The better the ball fits into the socket, the moretightly it is held. This phenomenon is called affinity. If the affinityof a substance is greater than the original hormone, it will competewith the hormone and bind the binding site more frequently. Once bound,signals may be sent through the receptor into the cells, causing thecell to respond in some fashion. This is called activation. Onactivation, the activated receptor then directly regulates thetranscription of specific genes. But the substance and the receptor mayhave certain attributes, other than affinity, in order to activate thecell. Chemical bonds between atoms of the substance and the atoms of thereceptors may form. In some cases, this leads to a change in theconfiguration of the receptor, which is enough to begin the activationprocess (called signal transduction).

In one embodiment, the compounds of this invention inhibit theintratumoral expression of genes and pathways that promote breast cancerdevelopment through their actions on the AR. In one embodiment, acompound of this invention inhibits intratumoral expression of Muc,SLUG, VCAM1, SPARC or MMP2, or any combination thereof. In anotherembodiment, Formula VIII inhibits gene expression that promotes breastcancer.

In one embodiment, a receptor antagonist is a substance which bindsreceptors and inactivates them. In one embodiment, a selective androgenreceptor modulator is a molecule that exhibits in vivo tissueselectivity, activating signaling activity of the androgen receptor (AR)in anabolic (muscle, bone, etc.) tissues to a greater extent than in theandrogenic tissues. Thus, in one embodiment, the selective androgenreceptor modulators of the present invention are useful in binding toand activating steroidal hormone receptors. In one embodiment, the SARMcompound of the present invention is an agonist which binds the androgenreceptor. In another embodiment, the compound has high affinity for theandrogen receptor.

Assays to determine whether the compounds of the present invention areAR agonists or antagonists are well known to a person skilled in theart. For example, AR agonistic activity can be determined by monitoringthe ability of the selective androgen receptor modulators to maintainand/or stimulate the growth of AR containing androgenic tissue such asprostate and seminal vesicles, as measured by weight, in castratedanimals. AR antagonistic activity can be determined by monitoring theability of the selective androgen receptor modulators to inhibit thegrowth of AR containing tissue in intact animals or counter the effectsof testosterone in castrated animals.

An androgen receptor (AR) is an androgen receptor of any species, forexample a mammal. In one embodiment, the androgen receptor is anandrogen receptor of a human. Thus, in another embodiment, the selectiveandrogen receptor modulators bind reversibly to an androgen receptor ofa human. In another embodiment, the selective androgen receptormodulators bind reversibly to an androgen receptor of a mammal.

As contemplated herein, the term “selective androgen receptor modulator”(SARM) refers to, in one embodiment, a molecule that exhibits in vivotissue selectivity, activating signaling activity of the androgenreceptor in anabolic (muscle, bone, etc.) tissues to a greater extentthan in the androgenic tissues. In another embodiment, a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator selectively binds the androgen receptor. Inanother embodiment, a selective androgen receptor modulator selectivelyaffects signaling through the androgen receptor. In one embodiment, theSARM is a partial agonist. In one embodiment, the SARM is atissue-selective agonist, or in some embodiments, a tissue-selectiveantagonist.

In one embodiment, a SARM of this invention exerts its effects on theandrogen receptor in a tissue-dependent manner. In one embodiment, aSARM of this invention will have an IC₅₀ or EC₅₀ with respect to AR, asdetermined using AR transactivation assays, as known in the art, or, inother embodiments, as described herein.

The term “IC₅₀” refers, in some embodiments, to a concentration of theSARM which reduces the activity of a target (e.g., AR) to half-maximallevel.

The term “EC₅₀” refers, in some embodiments, to a concentration of theSARM that produces a half-maximal effect.

For example, utilizing transactivation assays, FIG. 5 shows thatcompounds of this invention exhibit AR agonist activity in MDA-MB-231cells transfected with AR.

As defined herein, “contacting” means that the selective androgenreceptor modulators of the present invention are introduced into asample containing the receptor in a test tube, flask, tissue culture,chip, array, plate, microplate, capillary, or the like, and incubated ata temperature and time sufficient to permit binding of the selectiveandrogen receptor modulators to the receptor. Methods for contacting thesamples with the selective androgen receptor modulators or otherspecific binding components are known to those skilled in the art andmay be selected depending on the type of assay protocol to be run.Incubation methods are also standard and are known to those skilled inthe art.

In another embodiment, the term “contacting” means that the selectiveandrogen receptor modulators of the present invention are introducedinto a subject receiving treatment, and the selective androgen receptormodulator is allowed to come in contact with the androgen receptor invivo.

As used herein, the term “treating” includes disorder remitativetreatment. As used herein, the terms “reducing”, “suppressing” and“inhibiting” have their commonly understood meaning of lessening ordecreasing. As used herein, the term “progression” means increasing inscope or severity, advancing, growing or becoming worse. As used herein,the term “recurrence” means the return of a disease after a remission.As used herein, the term “delaying” means stopping, hindering, slowingdown, postponing, holding up or setting back. As used herein, the term“metastasis” refers to the transfer of a disease from one organ or partthereof to another not directly connected with it. Metastasis can occurfor example as a result of transfer of malignant cells from one organ(for example breast) to other organs.

In one embodiment, “treating” refers to reducing tumor growth by 75%, asdemonstrated in, e.g., Example 8. In another embodiment, treating refersto reducing tumor growth by at least 75%. In another embodiment,treating refers to reducing tumor growth by at least 50%. In anotherembodiment, treating refers to reducing tumor growth by at least 25%. Inanother embodiment, treating refers to reducing tumor growth by 50-100%.In another embodiment, treating refers to reducing tumor growth by70-80%. In another embodiment, treating refers to reducing tumor growthby 25-125%.

In another embodiment, “treating” refers to reducing tumor weight by50%, as demonstrated in, e.g., Example 8. In another embodiment,treating refers to reducing tumor weight by at least 50%. In anotherembodiment, treating refers to reducing tumor weight by at least 40%. Inanother embodiment, treating refers to reducing tumor weight by at least30%. In another embodiment, treating refers to reducing tumor weight byat least 20%. In another embodiment, treating refers to reducing tumorweight by 25-75%. In another embodiment, treating refers to reducingtumor weight by 25-100%.

As used herein, the term “administering” refers to bringing a subject incontact with a compound of the present invention. As used herein,administration can be accomplished in vitro, i.e. in a test tube, or invivo, i.e. in cells or tissues of living organisms, for example humans.In one embodiment, the present invention encompasses administering thecompounds of the present invention to a subject.

In one embodiment, a compound of the present invention is administeredto a subject once a week. In another embodiment, a compound of thepresent invention is administered to a subject twice a week. In anotherembodiment, a compound of the present invention is administered to asubject three times a week. In another embodiment, a compound of thepresent invention is administered to a subject four times a week. Inanother embodiment, a compound of the present invention is administeredto a subject five times a week. In another embodiment, a compound of thepresent invention is administered to a subject daily. In anotherembodiment, a compound of the present invention is administered to asubject weekly. In another embodiment, a compound of the presentinvention is administered to a subject bi-weekly. In another embodiment,a compound of the present invention is administered to a subjectmonthly.

In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator as the sole activeingredient. However, also encompassed within the scope of the presentinvention are methods for hormone therapy, for treating breast cancer,for delaying the progression of breast cancer, and for preventing andtreating the recurrence of breast cancer and/or breast cancermetastasis, which comprise administering the selective androgen receptormodulators in combination with one or more therapeutic agents. Theseagents include, but are not limited to: selective estrogen receptormodulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), abemaciclib (Vorzenio), trilaciclib, lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), SERD(fulvestrant) HDAC inhibitors (entinostat), PI3K inhibitors (buparlisib,tapelisib, alpelisib), vaccines and immune stimulants or adjuvants(NeuVax®), CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4)inhibitors (tramelimumab), PD-1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab), PD-L1inhibitors (atezolizumb, avelumab, durvalumab), chemotherapeutic agents,taxanes, anthracyclines, epothilones, LHRH analogs, reversibleantiandrogens, antiestrogens, anticancer drugs, 5-alpha reductaseinhibitors, progestins, agents acting through other nuclear hormonereceptors such as progesterone and estrogen receptors, estrogens,progestins, PDE5 inhibitors, apomorphine, bisphosphonate, growth factorinhibitors (such as those that inhibit VEGF, IGF and the like), or oneor more additional selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs).

Additional therapeutic agents that may be administered in combinationwith a selective androgen receptor modulator compound of this inventioninclude, but are not limited to: abemaciclib, Abitrexate®(methotrexate), Abraxane® (paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticleformulation), ado-trastuzumab emtansine, adriamycin PFS (doxorubicinhydrochloride), adriamycin RDF (doxorubicin hydrochloride), Adrucil®(fluorouracil), Afinitor® (everolimus), alpelisib, anastrozole,Arimidex® (anastrozole), Aromasin® (exemestane), velumab, atezolizumb,bicalutamide, buparlisib, Caelyx® (pegylated liposomal doxorubicin),capecitabine, carboplatin, cisplatin, Clafen® (cyclophosphamide),cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide), docetaxel, doxorubicinhydrochloride, durvalumab, Efudex® (fluorouracil), Ellence® (epirubicinhydrochloride), entinostat, enzalutamide, epirubicin hydrochloride,eribulin, ethynyl estradiol, everolimus, Evista® (raloxifene),exemestane, Fareston® (toremifene), Faslodex® (fulvestrant), Femara®(letrozole), Fluoroplex® (5-fluorouracil), fluorouracil,fluoxymesterone, Folex® (methotrexate), Folex PFS® (methotrexate),fulvestrant, gemcitabine hydrochloride, Gemzar® (gemcitabinehydrochloride), Halaven® (eribulin mesylate), Herceptin® (trastuzumab),ixabepilone, Ixempra® (ixabepilone), lapatinib ditosylate, letrozole,megestrol acetate, methotrexate, methotrexate LPF (methotrexate),Mexate® (methotrexate), Mexate-AQ® (methotrexate), Neosar®(cyclophosphamide), NeuVax® (nelipepimut-S), Nolvadex® (tamoxifencitrate), paclitaxel, paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticleformulation, palbociclib, pembrolizumab, Perjeta® (pertuzumab),pertuzumab, Piqray® (alpelisib), raloxifene, ribociclib, tamoxifencitrate, taselisib, Taxol® (paclitaxel), Taxotere® (docetaxel),trastuzumab, tremelimumab, toremifene, Tykerb® (lapatinib ditosylate),vinorelbine, and Xeloda® (capecitabine).

Thus, in one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering the selective androgen receptor modulator, in combinationwith a selective estrogen receptor modulator. Thus, in one embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering theselective androgen receptor modulator, in combination with a selectiveestrogen receptor degrader (fulvestrant). Thus, in one embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering the selectiveandrogen receptor modulator, in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor(palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib, trilaciclib, lerociclib). Thus,in one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering the selective androgen receptor modulator, in combinationwith a PIK3A inhibitor (alpelisib, buparlisib, tapelisib). Thus, in oneembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringthe selective androgen receptor modulator, in combination with a HER2inhibitor (lapatinib, trastuzumab, neratinib). Thus, in one embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering theselective androgen receptor modulator, in combination with a VEGF-Ainhibitor (bevacizumab). Thus, in one embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering the selective androgen receptormodulator, in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent. In oneembodiment, the chemotherapeutic agent is a taxane. In anotherembodiment, the chemotherapeutic agent is an anthracycline. In oneembodiment, the chemotherapeutic agent is an epothilone (ixabepilone).Thus, in one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering the selective androgen receptor modulator, in combinationwith an LHRH analog. In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator, in combination with a reversible antiandrogen. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator, in combination with anantiestrogen. In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator, in combination with an anticancer drug. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator, in combination with a 5-alphareductase inhibitor. In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with an aromatase inhibitor. Inanother embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with a progestin. In another embodiment, the methods ofthe present invention comprise administering a selective androgenreceptor modulator of this invention, in combination with an agentacting through other nuclear hormone receptors. In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination with aselective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination with aprogestin or anti-progestin. In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator, in combination with an estrogen. In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination with aPDE5 inhibitor. In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with apomorphine. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with a bisphosphonate (pamidronate, zoledronic acid). Inanother embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with a denosumab (Xgeva®). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination with agrowth factor inhibitor. In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator of this invention, in combination with one or more additionalselective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs).

In another embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with Abitrexate® (methotrexate). In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withAbraxane® (paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation). Inanother embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with ado-trastuzumab emtansine. In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withAdriamycin PFS® (doxorubicin hydrochloride). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withAdriamycin RDF® (doxorubicin hydrochloride). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withAdrucil® (fluorouracil). In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator of this invention, in combination with Afinitor® (everolimus).In another embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with anastrozole. In another embodiment, the methods ofthe present invention comprise administering a selective androgenreceptor modulator of this invention, in combination with Arimidex®(anastrozole). In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with Aromasin® (exemestane). Inanother embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with capecitabine. In another embodiment, the methods ofthe present invention comprise administering a selective androgenreceptor modulator of this invention, in combination with Clafen®(cyclophosphamide). In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with cyclophosphamide. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with Cytoxan® (cyclophosphamide). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withdocetaxel. In another embodiment, the methods of the present inventioncomprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulator of thisinvention, in combination with doxorubicin hydrochloride. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with Efudex® (fluorouracil). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withEllence® (epirubicin hydrochloride). In another embodiment, the methodsof the present invention comprise administering a selective androgenreceptor modulator of this invention, in combination with epirubicinhydrochloride. In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with everolimus. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with exemestane. In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator of this invention, in combination with Fareston® (toremifene).In another embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with Evista® (raloxifene). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withFaslodex® (fulvestrant). In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator of this invention, in combination with Femara® (letrozole).

In another embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with Fluoroplex® (5-fluorouracil). In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withfluorouracil. In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with Folex® (methotrexate). In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with Folex PFS® (methotrexate). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withfulvestrant. In another embodiment, the methods of the present inventioncomprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulator of thisinvention, in combination with gemcitabine hydrochloride. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with Gemzar® (gemcitabine hydrochloride). In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with Herceptin® (trastuzumab). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withIbrance (palbociclib). In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with Kisquali (ribociclib). In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with Verenzio (abemaciclib). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withtrilaciclib. In another embodiment, the methods of the present inventioncomprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulator of thisinvention, in combination with lerociclib. In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withixabepilone. In another embodiment, the methods of the present inventioncomprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulator of thisinvention, in combination with Ixempra® (ixabepilone). In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with lapatinib ditosylate. In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withletrozole. In another embodiment, the methods of the present inventioncomprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulator of thisinvention, in combination with methotrexate. In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withmethotrexate LPF (methotrexate). In another embodiment, the methods ofthe present invention comprise administering a selective androgenreceptor modulator of this invention, in combination with Mexate®(methotrexate). In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with Mexate-AQ® (methotrexate). Inanother embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with Neosar® (cyclophosphamide). In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withNolvadex® (tamoxifen citrate). In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator of this invention, in combination with paclitaxel. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with paclitaxel albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation.In another embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention,in combination with Perjeta® (pertuzumab). In another embodiment, themethods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withpertuzumab. In another embodiment, the methods of the present inventioncomprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulator of thisinvention, in combination with tamoxifen citrate. In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withTaxol® (paclitaxel). In another embodiment, the methods of the presentinvention comprise administering a selective androgen receptor modulatorof this invention, in combination with Taxotere® (docetaxel). In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with trastuzumab. In another embodiment, the methods of thepresent invention comprise administering a selective androgen receptormodulator of this invention, in combination with oremifene. In anotherembodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise administeringa selective androgen receptor modulator of this invention, incombination with Tykerb® (lapatinib ditosylate). In another embodiment,the methods of the present invention comprise administering a selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of this invention, in combination withXeloda® (capecitabine).

In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention compriseadministering a pharmaceutical composition (or pharmaceuticalpreparation, used herein interchangeably) comprising the selectiveandrogen receptor modulator of the present invention and/or its analog,derivative, isomer, metabolite, pharmaceutical product, hydrate,N-oxide, polymorph, crystal, prodrug or any combination thereof; and asuitable carrier or diluent.

Pharmaceutical Compositions:

As used herein, “pharmaceutical composition” means therapeuticallyeffective amounts of the selective androgen receptor modulator togetherwith suitable diluents, preservatives, solubilizers, emulsifiers,adjuvant and/or carriers. A “therapeutically effective amount” as usedherein refers to that amount which provides a therapeutic effect for agiven condition and administration regimen. Such compositions areliquids or lyophilized or otherwise dried formulations and includediluents of various buffer content (e.g., Tris-HCl, acetate, phosphate),pH and ionic strength, additives such as albumin or gelatin to preventabsorption to surfaces, detergents (e.g., Tween 20®, Tween 80®, PluronicF68®, bile acid salts), solubilizing agents (e.g., glycerol,polyethylene glycerol), anti-oxidants (e.g., ascorbic acid, sodiummetabisulfite), preservatives (e.g., Thimerosal®, benzyl alcohol,parabens), bulking substances or tonicity modifiers (e.g., lactose,mannitol), covalent attachment of polymers such as polyethylene glycolto the protein, complexation with metal ions, or incorporation of thematerial into or onto particulate preparations of polymeric compoundssuch as polylactic acid, polglycolic acid, hydrogels, etc, or ontoliposomes, microemulsions, micelles, unilamellar or multilamellarvesicles, erythrocyte ghosts, or spheroplasts). Such compositions willinfluence the physical state, solubility, stability, rate of in vivorelease, and rate of in vivo clearance. Controlled or sustained releasecompositions include formulation in lipophilic depots (e.g., fattyacids, waxes, oils).

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions comprising thecompounds of this invention make use in the methods of this invention ofa dosage of between 1 and 50 mg of a compound of this invention. Inanother embodiment, the dosage is 1 mg, 3 mg, 9 mg, 10 mg, 18 mg or 30mg of the compound of this invention. In another embodiment, thepharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of this inventionmake use in the methods of this invention of a dosage of 1 mg of acompound of this invention. In another embodiment, the pharmaceuticalcompositions comprising the compounds of this invention make use in themethods of this invention of a dosage of 3 mg of a compound of thisinvention. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositionscomprising the compounds of this invention make use in the methods ofthis invention of a dosage of 9 mg of a compound of this invention. Inanother embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions comprising thecompounds of this invention make use in the methods of this invention ofa dosage of 10 mg of a compound of this invention. In anotherembodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds ofthis invention make use in the methods of this invention of a dosage of18 mg of a compound of this invention. In another embodiment, thepharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of this inventionmake use in the methods of this invention of a dosage of 30 mg of acompound of this invention.

Also comprehended by the invention are particulate compositions coatedwith polymers (e.g., poloxamers or poloxamines). Other embodiments ofthe compositions of the invention incorporate particulate formsprotective coatings, protease inhibitors or permeation enhancers forvarious routes of administration, including parenteral, pulmonary, nasaland oral. In one embodiment the pharmaceutical composition isadministered parenterally, paracancerally, transmucosally,transdermally, intramuscularly, intravenously, intradermally,subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intraventricularly, intravaginally,intracranially and intratumorally.

Further, as used herein “pharmaceutically acceptable carriers” are wellknown to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to,0.01-0.1 M and preferably 0.05 M phosphate buffer or about 0.8% saline.Additionally, such pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be aqueousor non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Examples ofnon-aqueous solvents are propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol,vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters such asethyl oleate. Aqueous carriers include water, alcoholic/aqueoussolutions, emulsions or suspensions, including saline and bufferedmedia.

Parenteral vehicles include sodium chloride solution, Ringer's dextrose,dextrose and sodium chloride, lactated Ringer's and fixed oils.Intravenous vehicles include fluid and nutrient replenishers,electrolyte replenishers such as those based on Ringer's dextrose, andthe like. Preservatives and other additives may also be present, suchas, for example, antimicrobials, antioxidants, collating agents, inertgases and the like.

Controlled or sustained release compositions include formulation inlipophilic depots (e.g. fatty acids, waxes, oils). Also comprehended bythe invention are particulate compositions coated with polymers (e.g.poloxamers or poloxamines) and the compound coupled to antibodiesdirected against tissue-specific receptors, ligands or antigens orcoupled to ligands of tissue-specific receptors.

Other embodiments of the compositions of the invention incorporateparticulate forms, protective coatings, protease inhibitors orpermeation enhancers for various routes of administration, includingparenteral, pulmonary, nasal and oral.

Compounds modified by the covalent attachment of water-soluble polymerssuch as polyethylene glycol, copolymers of polyethylene glycol andpolypropylene glycol, carboxymethyl cellulose, dextran, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone or polyproline are known to exhibitsubstantially longer half-lives in blood following intravenous injectionthan do the corresponding unmodified compounds (Abuchowski et al., 1981;Newmark et al., 1982; and Katre et al., 1987). Such modifications mayalso increase the compound's solubility in aqueous solution, eliminateaggregation, enhance the physical and chemical stability of thecompound, and greatly reduce the immunogenicity and reactivity of thecompound. As a result, the desired in vivo biological activity may beachieved by the administration of such polymer-compound abducts lessfrequently or in lower doses than with the unmodified compound.

In yet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition can bedelivered in a controlled release system. For example, the agent may beadministered using intravenous infusion, an implantable osmotic pump, atransdermal patch, liposomes, or other modes of administration. In oneembodiment, a pump may be used (see Langer, supra; Sefton, CRC Crit.Ref. Biomed. Eng. 14:201 (1987); Buchwald et al., Surgery 88:507 (1980);Saudek et al., N. Engl. J. Med. 321:574 (1989). In another embodiment,polymeric materials can be used. In yet another embodiment, a controlledrelease system can be placed in proximity to the therapeutic target,i.e., the brain, thus requiring only a fraction of the systemic dose(see, e.g., Goodson, in Medical Applications of Controlled Release,supra, vol. 2, pp. 115-138 (1984). Other controlled release systems arediscussed in the review by Langer (Science 249:1527-1533 (1990).

The pharmaceutical preparation can comprise the selective androgenreceptor modulator alone, or can further include a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier, and can be in solid or liquid form such as tablets,powders, capsules, pellets, solutions, suspensions, elixirs, emulsions,gels, creams, or suppositories, including rectal and urethralsuppositories. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include gums,starches, sugars, cellulosic materials, and mixtures thereof. Thepharmaceutical preparation containing the selective androgen receptormodulator can be administered to a subject by, for example, subcutaneousimplantation of a pellet; in a further embodiment, the pellet providesfor controlled release of selective androgen receptor modulator over aperiod of time. The preparation can also be administered by intravenous,intraarterial, or intramuscular injection of a liquid preparation, oraladministration of a liquid or solid preparation, or by topicalapplication. Administration can also be accomplished by use of a rectalsuppository or a urethral suppository.

The pharmaceutical preparations of the invention can be prepared byknown dissolving, mixing, granulating, or tablet-forming processes. Fororal administration, the selective androgen receptor modulators or theirphysiologically tolerated derivatives such as salts, esters, N-oxides,and the like are mixed with additives customary for this purpose, suchas vehicles, stabilizers, or inert diluents, and converted by customarymethods into suitable forms for administration, such as tablets, coatedtablets, hard or soft gelatin capsules, aqueous, alcoholic or oilysolutions. Examples of suitable inert vehicles are conventional tabletbases such as lactose, sucrose, or cornstarch in combination withbinders such as acacia, cornstarch, gelatin, with disintegrating agentssuch as cornstarch, potato starch, alginic acid, or with a lubricantsuch as stearic acid or magnesium stearate.

Examples of suitable oily vehicles or solvents are vegetable or animaloils such as sunflower oil or fish-liver oil. Preparations can beeffected both as dry and as wet granules. For parenteral administration(subcutaneous, intravenous, intraarterial, or intramuscular injection),the selective androgen receptor modulators or their physiologicallytolerated derivatives such as salts, esters, N-oxides, and the like areconverted into a solution, suspension, or emulsion, if desired with thesubstances customary and suitable for this purpose, for example,solubilizers or other auxiliaries. Examples are sterile liquids such aswater and oils, with or without the addition of a surfactant and otherpharmaceutically acceptable adjuvants. Illustrative oils are those ofpetroleum, animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, for example, peanutoil, soybean oil, or mineral oil. In general, water, saline, aqueousdextrose and related sugar solutions, and glycols such as propyleneglycols or polyethylene glycol are preferred liquid carriers,particularly for injectable solutions.

The preparation of pharmaceutical compositions which contain an activecomponent is well understood in the art. Such compositions can beprepared as aerosols of the active component delivered to thenasopharynx or as injectables, either as liquid solutions orsuspensions; however, solid forms suitable for solution in, orsuspension in, liquid prior to injection can also be prepared. Thepreparation can also be emulsified. The active therapeutic ingredient isoften mixed with excipients which are pharmaceutically acceptable andcompatible with the active ingredient. Suitable excipients are, forexample, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol, or the like or anycombination thereof.

In addition, the composition can contain minor amounts of auxiliarysubstances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agentswhich enhance the effectiveness of the active ingredient.

An active component can be formulated into the composition asneutralized pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts include the acid addition salts (formed with the freeamino groups of the polypeptide or antibody molecule), which are formedwith inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoricacids, or such organic acids as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, mandelic, andthe like. Salts formed from the free carboxyl groups can also be derivedfrom inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium,calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine,trimethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, and the like.

For topical administration to body surfaces using, for example, creams,gels, drops, and the like, the selective androgen receptor modulators ortheir physiologically tolerated derivatives such as salts, esters,N-oxides, and the like are prepared and applied as solutions,suspensions, or emulsions in a physiologically acceptable diluent withor without a pharmaceutical carrier.

In another embodiment, the active compound can be delivered in avesicle, in particular a liposome (see Langer, Science 249:1527-1533(1990); Treat et al., in Liposomes in the Therapy of Infectious Diseaseand Cancer, Lopez- Berestein and Fidler (eds.), Liss, New York, pp.353-365 (1989); Lopez-Berestein, ibid., pp. 317-327; see generallyibid).

For use in medicine, the salts of the selective androgen receptormodulator will be pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Other salts may,however, be useful in the preparation of the compounds of the inventionor of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Suitable pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include acidaddition salts which may, for example, be formed by mixing a solution ofthe compound of the invention with a solution of a pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid,methanesulphonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, aceticacid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, carbonicacid or phosphoric acid.

In one embodiment, the term “about”, refers to a deviance of between0.0001-5% from the indicated number or range of numbers. In oneembodiment, the term “about”, refers to a deviance of between 1-10% fromthe indicated number or range of numbers. In one embodiment, the term“about”, refers to a deviance of up to 25% from the indicated number orrange of numbers.

In some embodiments, the term “comprise” or grammatical forms thereof,refers to the inclusion of the indicated active agent, such as thecompound of this invention, as well as inclusion of other active agents,and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, emollients,stabilizers, etc., as are known in the pharmaceutical industry. In someembodiments, the term “consisting essentially of” refers to acomposition, whose only active ingredient is the indicated activeingredient, however, other compounds may be included which are forstabilizing, preserving, etc. the formulation, but are not involveddirectly in the therapeutic effect of the indicated active ingredient.In some embodiments, the term “consisting essentially of” may refer tocomponents, which exert a therapeutic effect via a mechanism distinctfrom that of the indicated active ingredient. In some embodiments, theterm “consisting essentially of” may refer to components, which exert atherapeutic effect and belong to a class of compounds distinct from thatof the indicated active ingredient. In some embodiments, the term“consisting essentially of” may refer to components, which exert atherapeutic effect and belong to a class of compounds distinct from thatof the indicated active ingredient, by acting via a different mechanismof action, for example, and representing an embodiment of thisinvention, polypeptides comprising T cell epitopes present in acomposition may be specifically combined with polypeptides comprising Bcell epitopes. In some embodiments, the term “consisting essentially of”may refer to components which facilitate the release of the activeingredient. In some embodiments, the term “consisting” refers to acomposition, which contains the active ingredient and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or excipient.

Further, as used herein, the term “comprising” is intended to mean thatthe system includes the recited elements, but not excluding others whichmay be optional. By the phrase “consisting essentially of” it is meant amethod that includes the recited elements but exclude other elementsthat may have an essential significant effect on the performance of themethod. “Consisting of” shall thus mean excluding more than traces ofother elements. Embodiments defined by each of these transition termsare within the scope of this invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides combined preparations.In one embodiment, the term “a combined preparation” defines especiallya “kit of parts” in the sense that the combination partners as definedabove can be dosed independently or by use of different fixedcombinations with distinguished amounts of the combination partnersi.e., simultaneously, concurrently, separately or sequentially. In someembodiments, the parts of the kit of parts can then, e.g., beadministered simultaneously or chronologically staggered, that is atdifferent time points and with equal or different time intervals for anypart of the kit of parts. The ratio of the total amounts of thecombination partners, in some embodiments, can be administered in thecombined preparation. In one embodiment, the combined preparation can bevaried, e.g., in order to cope with the needs of a patient subpopulationto be treated or the needs of the single patient which different needscan be due to a particular disease, severity of a disease, age, sex, orbody weight as can be readily made by a person skilled in the art.

In one embodiment, the term “a” or “one” or “an” refers to at least one.In one embodiment the phrase “two or more” may be of any denomination,which will suit a particular purpose. In one embodiment, “about” maycomprise a deviance from the indicated term of +1%, or in someembodiments, −1%, or in some embodiments, ±2.5%, or in some embodiments,±5%, or in some embodiments, ±7.5%, or in some embodiments, ±10%, or insome embodiments, ±15%, or in some embodiments, ±20%, or in someembodiments, ±25%.

The following examples are presented in order to more fully illustratethe preferred embodiments of the invention. They should in no way beconstrued, however, as limiting the broad scope of the invention.

Experimental Details Section General Experimental Methods Cell GrowthConditions

HCC 1937, HCC 1954, HCC 38, T47D-Kbluc, MDA-MB-453, and MDA-MB-231 cellswere grown in RPMI-1640 medium containing 2 mM L-glutamine supplementedwith 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Cells were maintained in a 5% CO₂/95%air humidified atmosphere at 37° C. MCF-7 cells were grown in MinimumEssential Medium supplemented with 10% FBS.

Breast cancer tumors typically express AR 70-90% of the time, howeverbreast cancer cell lines typically do not express AR. This makesdevelopment of a preclinical model for the study of androgen effects onbreast cancer very difficult. Consequently, the AR has been introducedby adenoviral infection (stably incorporated into the genome) into somebreast cancer cell lines used in the studies below.

Sulforhodamine B (SRB) Assay

The SRB assay was used to determine cell number during cytotoxocityexperiments. The following protocol was used:

-   -   1. Cells were detached with 0.25% trypsin.    -   2. Experimental cultures were cultured in 96-well microtiter        plates (200 uL growth medium per well; 1,000-200,000 cells per        well).    -   3. Cultures were fixed with 50 uL 50% TCA (4° C.). (see cell        fixation protocol for details).    -   4. Fixed cells were stained with 50 uL 0.4% (wt/vol) SRB in 1%        acetic acid for 10 minutes.    -   5. SRB was removed and the cultures were quickly* rinsed 5 times        with 1% acetic acid to remove unbound dye.**    -   6. Cultures were air-dried overnight until there was no visible        moisture.    -   7. The cellular protein-bound SRB was dissolved with 200 uL        unbuffered Tris base (10 mM, pH 10.5) for 30 minutes on a        rocking platform shaker.    -   8. Absorbance was read at 540 nm.        * quickly performing rinsing process was to prevent desorption        of protein-bound SRB        ** completely removed residual wash solution by sharply flicking        plates over sink.

Fixation of Cells Attached to the Plastic Substratum

The following protocol was used for fixing cells:

-   -   a. 50 uL of 50% TCA (4° C.) was gently layered on the top of        growth medium in each well to make a final TCA concentration of        10%.    -   b. Cultures were incubated at 4° C. for 1 hour.    -   c. Cultures were washed 5 times with tap water to remove TCA,        growth medium, low-molecular-weight metabolites, and serum        protein.    -   d. Plates were air-dried until there was no visible moisture.

Example 1 Effect of Formula IX on Growth in Different Breast CancersCell Lines Expressing Androgen Receptor Materials and Methods

MDA-MB-231 and HCC-38 triple negative breast cancer cells were used toanalyze growth effects of various compounds.

MDA-MB-231 and HCC-38 triple negative breast cancer cells were infectedwith 200 μL or 500 μL adenovirus containing LacZ (negative control) orAR, and were treated with various AR ligands (agonists: DHT and FormulaIX, and antagonist: bicalutamide) or a non-AR binder that isstructurally similar to Formula IX, R-enantiomer of Formula IX. Cellswere treated in charcoal stripped FBS (FIGS. 1C, 1E, 1G and 11; 2C, 2Eand 2G or full serum (FIGS. 1D, 1F, 1H and 1J; 2D, 2F and 2H for 3 days,fixed and stained with sulforhodamine blue (SRB) to measure cellviability. IC₅₀ values were calculated.

Results

Expression of AR in cells infected with AR or LacZ was evaluated usingWestern blotting (FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A).

Only the AR agonists, DHT and Formula IX, inhibited MDA-MB-231 andHCC-38 triple negative breast cancer cell growth (FIGS. 1C, 1D, 1E, 1Fand FIGS. 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F). This inhibition was observed only in thepresence of AR (compare w/lacZ and w/AR). IC₅₀ values in AR-positivecells for DHT and Formula IX are presented in FIG. 1B and FIG. 2B.

Example 2 Reversal of Effect of Formula IX on Growth Materials andMethods

To determine if the growth inhibition observed with DHT and Formula IXin AR-positive cells is AR dependent, MDA-MB-231 cells were infectedwith adenovirus containing LacZ (negative control) or AR and weretreated with AR agonists, DHT or Formula IX, in the presence or absenceof the AR antagonist, bicalutamide. Cells were treated in charcoalstripped FBS (FIGS. 3A and 3C or full serum (FIGS. 3B and 3D for 3 days,fixed and stained with sulforhodamine blue (SRB) to measure cellviability. IC₅₀ values were calculated.

Results

Both DHT and Formula IX required AR to inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell growth,as demonstrated by the weakened growth inhibitory effects in thepresence of bicalutamide (FIGS. 3A-3D). IC₅₀ values for DHT and FormulaIX in AR-positive cells pretreated with or without bicalutamide arepresented in FIG. 3E.

Example 3 Effect of AR Ligands on Breast Cancer Cell Growth Materialsand Methods

To determine if all AR ligands inhibit the growth of triple negativebreast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 cells were infected with adenoviruscontaining LacZ or AR and were treated with various AR ligands(agonists: DHT, Formula VIII, Formula IX, Formula X, Formula XIII,Formula XIV; antagonist: bicalutamide) and a non-AR-binder: R-enantiomerof Formula IX. Cells were treated in charcoal stripped FBS (FIGS. 4A,4C, 4E, 4G, 4I, 4K, 4M and 4O) or full serum (FIGS. 4B, 4D, 4F, 4H, 4J,4L, 4N and 4P) for 3 days, fixed and stained with sulforhodamine blue(SRB) to measure cell viability. Anti-proliferative IC₅₀ values werecalculated in breast cancer cells and compared to transactivationvalues, i.e., EC₅₀ (agonists) and IC₅₀ (antagonists) values, generatedin HEK-293 cells. The growth regulatory properties in breast cancercells of these molecules in breast cancer cells are comparable to thetransactivation values obtained in HEK-293 cells.

Results

Only AR agonists inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells (FIGS. 4A, 4B,4E-4H, and 4K-4P) and the growth inhibitory potential of these ligandsrank order with their agonistic activity observed in HEK-293 cells (FIG.4Q).

Example 4 demonstrates as well that AR agonists inhibited theproliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells stably transfected with AR.

Example 4 AR Transactivation Assays in Breast Cancer Cells Materials andMethods

To ensure that the ligands that elicited growth inhibitory propertiesare agonists in MDA-MB-231 cells, AR transactivation assays wereperformed in MDA-MB-231 cells. Though AR transactivation assay wasperformed in HEK-293 cells, the ability of ligands to function asagonists or antagonists depends on cellular microenvironment. Hence,MDA-MB-231 cells were transfected using lipofectamine with AR, GRE-LUCand CMV-LUC as normalization control. The cells were treated 24 h aftertransfection and luciferase assay performed 48 h after transfection.

Results

FIG. 5 shows that all AR ligands that elicited anti-proliferativeactivity are agonists in MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with AR and theiragonist and growth inhibitory properties compare well. In other words,growth inhibitory ligands are AR agonists in MDA-MB-231 cellstransfected with AR.

Example 5 Analysis of Growth Inhibitory Effects in Breast Cancer CellsExpressing Estrogen Receptor Materials and Methods

To ensure that growth inhibitory effects in MDA-MB-231 cells areselective to AR, and to determine if the ligand dependent growthinhibitory effects are exclusive to AR and also to ensure that theeffects are not artifacts of adenoviral infection, MDA-MB-231 triplenegative breast cancer cells were infected with ER-α or ER-β adenovirusconstructs and were treated with ER agonist: 17β-estradiol (E2) or ERantagonist: ICI 182,780 (ICI) in charcoal stripped serum (FIG. 6C)

or full serum (FIGS. 6D and 6E) for 3 days. Cells were fixed and stainedwith sulforhodamine blue (SRB) to measure cell viability. Expression ofER in infected cells was evaluated using Western blotting.

Results

FIGS. 6A-6B show the presence or absence of ERα or ER in MDA-MB-231cells following transfection. These results show that theanti-proliferative effects observed with androgens is unique to ligandactivated AR and not an artifact of adenovirus. FIGS. 6C-6E show thatover-expression of ER-α or ER-β in MDA-MB-231 cells failed to promotegrowth inhibition either in the presence of ER agonists or antagonists.Thus, the observed growth inhibitory effects in MDA-MB-231 cells areselective to the presence of the AR and AR agonists.

Example 6 Effect of AR Agonist on Morphology of Breast Cancer CellsMaterials and Methods

MDA-MB-231 cells were stably transfected with AR using lentivirus.Following transfection, cells were treated for 3 days with the indicatedconcentrations of DHT or bicalutamide. Live cells were visualized usinga light-microscope and photographed. The cells were imaged at the samemagnification and under the same microscopic conditions.

Results

FIG. 7 shows that DHT altered the morphology of MDA-MB-231 cells intomore anchorage dependent and differentiated cells, indicating that ARagonist-bound AR expressing breast cancer cells will have less invasiveand migratory properties (e.g., less likely to metastasize).

DHT and SARMs alter the morphology of AR-positive MDA-MB-231 cells.MDA-MB-231 cells were stably transfected with AR using lentivirus andwere treated with vehicle or AR agonists at the indicatedconcentrations. At the end of 3 days of incubation, the cells wereimaged under a microscope (40×).

DHT and SARMs, but not the AR antagonist, bicalutamide (data not shown),or the inactive isomer of Formula IX, altered the morphology of thecells into a more anchorage-dependent phenotype (FIG. 12).

Example 7 Cross-Reactivity of Formula VIII with Other Nuclear HormoneReceptors

In order to determine whether compounds of this invention affected othernuclear hormone receptor signaling, the ability of a compoundrepresented by Formula VIII to stimulate (agonist) or inhibit(antagonist) ERα-, ERβ-, GR-, PR-, or MR-mediated transcriptionalactivation, was analyzed.

Materials and Methods Transient Transfection

Rat GR, MR, PR, ER-α and ER-β were individually cloned into a pCR3.1vector backbone. Sequencing was performed to verify the absence of anymutations. HEK-293 cells were plated at 90,000 cells per well of a 24well plate in Dulbecco's Minimal Essential Media supplemented with 5%charcoal-stripped FBS. The cells were transfected using Lipofectamine(Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) with 0.25 μg GRE-LUC for GR, MR and PRand ERE-LUC for ER-α and ER-β, 0.5 ng CMV-LUC (renilla luciferase) and12.5-25 ng of the respective expression vector for each receptor. Thecells were treated 24 h after transfection with Formula VIII in theabsence (agonist mode) and presence (antagonist mode) of known agonists(17β-estradiol for ER; dexamethasone for GR; aldosterone for MR;progesterone for PR) as controls. Luciferase assays were performed 48 hafter transfection. Transcriptional activation values are represented asfirefly luciferase normalized to renilla luciferase.

Results

The agonist effects of Formula VIII on ER-β, ER-α, GR, PR and MR weretested and compared to the activities of the known ligands, as well(FIG. 8). A compound of Formula VIII failed to activate ER-β or ER-αeven at the highest tested concentration (1 μM) whereas 1 nM17β-estradiol induced ERα- and ERβ-mediated transactivation by 3- and5-fold, respectively. A compound of Formula VIII failed to activate GR-or MR-mediated transactivation. A compound of Formula VIII at all thetested concentrations did not induce GR- or MR-mediated transactivation,whereas the known ligands (dexamethasone and aldosterone) induced theactivities of GR or MR by 70- and 60-fold, respectively, at aconcentration of 1 nM. However, a compound of Formula VIII increased thetransactivation of PR at 1 μM and 10 μM by 3 and 8 fold, respectively.Progesterone activated PR by 23 folds at a 1 nM concentration,indicating that a compound of Formula VIII is greater than 10,000-foldweaker than the endogenous agonist for PR.

The ability of a compound of Formula VIII to inhibit the effects of aknown agonist for each of the above mentioned receptors was tested aswell.

Co-incubation of HEK 293 cells with the indicated concentrations ofFormula VIII failed to alter the 17β-estradiol-induced ER-β or ER-αactivity, dexamethasone-induced GR-mediated transactivation oraldosterone-induced MR-mediated transactivation.

A dose response curve for a compound of Formula VIII in antagonist modedemonstrated potent partial inhibition of PR activity (FIG. 9). Incomparison to Formula IX, Formula VIII is was 10-times more potent, and100-times more potent than R-enantiomer of Formula IX. In comparison toRU486, Formula VIII was about 1,000 fold weaker as a PR antagonist, thanRU486.

Compounds of Formulae VIII and IX are specific for the AR and do notstimulate or inhibit receptor-mediated transactivation of ERα, ERβ, GR,or MR. Unexpectedly, Formula VIII exhibited moderate potency partialagonist activity for PR, and potent PR partial antagonism (see FIG. 9).Combined AR-agonism and PR-antagonism will be beneficial in certainbreast cancers (e.g., PR-positive breast cancers).

Example 8 Formula VIII and Formula IX Inhibit Triple Negative BreastCancer Cell Tumor Growth in Mice Materials and Methods

MDA-MB-231-AR triple negative breast cancer cells (2 millioncells/mouse; MDA-MB-231 cells stably transfected with AR usinglentivirus) were mixed with matrigel (1:1) and injected subcutaneouslyinto the flanks of intact female nude mice (n=5/group). When the tumorsreached 150-200 mm³, the animals were separated into two groups, onereceiving vehicle and the other receiving 30 mg/kg Formula VIII orally.Tumor volume was measured thrice weekly and % tumor growth inhibition(TGI) was calculated. At the end of 35 days of treatment, the animalswere sacrificed, tumors excised, weighed, and collected for variousanalyses. Blood was collected and serum separated for drug concentrationmeasurement.

Results

Formula VIII significantly reduced the tumor growth with TGI of ˜75%(FIG. 10B). Tumor weights were also reduced by more than 50% by FormulaVIII treatment (FIG. 11, right panel) as were tumor size (FIG. 11, leftpanel (mm³) and middle panel (% change)). Formula VIII elicited theseresults without any associated toxicity or changes in body weight (FIG.10A). Uterus weight also increased in response to Formula VIII treatment(not shown), indicative of in vivo androgenic response.

The results presented in FIG. 24 shows the increase of body weight bythe SARMs at all doses of Formula VIII and Formula IX, indicative ofhealthy growth and a lack of toxicity. By comparison, the vehicletreated animal did not grow as robustly.

In summary, the Formula VIII SARM is extremely effective in regressingthe growth of AR expressing triple negative breast cancer xenografts inmice, and is likely to be effective in a wide variety of AR-positivebreast cancers in humans, as described supra and infra.

Example 9 Effect of Formula IX in Women with Metastatic or ER and/orAR-Positive Refractory Breast Cancer

This clinical trial assessed the safety and efficacy of 9 mg of thecompound represented by the structure of Formula IX (Formula IX), in 22post-menopausal women who have estrogen receptor (ER) positivemetastatic breast cancer, and who have responded previously to adjuvantand/or salvage endocrine therapy. The goal of this study was todetermine the importance of the AR status as a therapeutic target inwomen with ER-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) that hadpreviously responded to hormone therapy. The treatment was continueduntil disease progression (PD).

Primary endpoint was clinical benefit response (CBR) by 6 months (m)defined as patients having a complete response (CR), partial response(PR), or stable disease (SD). CBR will be correlated with AR status ofmetastatic tumor biopsy.

Serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) was evaluated as a biomarker of ARactivity.

Results: Formula IX was well-tolerated, with no drug related seriousadverse events and none exceeding Grade 3. Conclusions: Formula IXdemonstrated promise as a novel targeted therapy for AR-positive MBC.The primary endpoint has been achieved, with 6/17 AR+ patients meetingstatistical threshold for success, as outlined in the Tables 1-5 hereinbelow. Serum PSA appeared to be a surrogate marker for AR activity anddisease response.

Materials and Methods Subject Population

Female subjects with ER-positive metastatic breast cancer who havepreviously been treated with up to 3 prior hormonal therapies for thetreatment of breast cancer. Subjects must have been treated with andresponded to previous adjuvant therapy for ≥3 years or hormonal therapyfor metastatic disease for ≥6 months prior to progression. Details ofsubject selection criteria are presented below:

To be eligible for participation in this study, subjects must meet allof the following criteria, including give voluntary, signed informedconsent in accordance with institutional policies; be a woman that hasbeen diagnosed with ER-positive metastatic breast cancer; and beclinically confirmed as postmenopausal. Subjects must have undergone theonset of spontaneous, medical or surgical menopause prior to the startof this study. (Spontaneous menopause is defined as the naturalcessation of ovarian function as indicated by being amenorrheic for atleast 12 months. If the subject has been amenorrheic for ≥6 months but<12 months they must have a serum FSH concentration of ≥50 mIU/mL and an17β-estradiol concentration of ≤25 pg/mL; medical menopause is definedas treatment with a luteinizing hormone receptor hormone agonist; andsurgical menopause is defined as bilateral oophorectomy).

Additional requirement that subjects must meet include that they havebeen treated and responded to previous adjuvant hormonal therapy for ≥3years or previous hormonal therapy for metastatic disease for ≥6 monthsprior to disease progression; that they have not had radiation therapyfor breast cancer within 2 weeks of randomization in this study and arenot planned to have radiation therapy during participation in thisstudy. Subjects must be willing to provide tissue sample from a biopsyof a metastatic tumor lesion(s) for determination of AR and ER status.Tissue samples from a biopsy of a primary tumor lesion will also beprovided if available. Further subjects must have ECOG score ≤2 and beage ≥18 years.

Subjects with any of the following exclusion criteria will NOT beeligible for enrollment in this study: have triple negative breastcancer; have, in the judgment of the Investigator, a clinicallysignificant concurrent illness or psychological, familial, sociological,geographical or other concomitant condition that would not permitadequate follow-up and compliance with the study protocol; haveuncontrolled hypertension, congestive heart failure or angina; haveStage 4 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); have positivescreen for hepatitis B consisting of HBsAg (Hepatitis B SurfaceAntigen), unless subject was diagnosed >10 years prior to enrollment andno evidence of active liver disease; have ALT/SGOT or AST/SGPT above 1.5times the upper limit of normal (ULN); have positive screen forhepatitis A antibody IgM or HIV; have received chemotherapy formetastatic breast cancer within the 3 months prior to enrollment in thestudy or be expected to receive chemotherapy for metastatic breastcancer during the study; be currently taking testosterone,methyltestosterone, oxandrolone (Oxandrin®), oxymetholone, danazol,fluoxymesterone (Halotestin®), testosterone-like agents (such asdehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, and other androgeniccompounds, including herbals), or antiandrogens; previous therapy withtestosterone and testosterone-like agents is acceptable with a 30-daywashout (if previous testosterone therapy was long term depot within thepast 6 months, the site should contact the medical monitor for thisstudy to determine appropriate washout period); have untreated oruncontrolled brain metastasis; have been diagnosed with or treated forcancer within the previous two years, other than breast cancer ornon-melanoma carcinoma of the skin

Androgen receptor (AR) status was assessed in all subjects from primaryand/or metastatic lesions after enrollment. It was observed that themajority ( 17/19) of subjects with ER-positive breast cancer alsoexpressed AR) in their primary tumor samples, which correlated well withprevious literature which predicted 70-95% would be AR-positive(Niemeier L A, et. al. Androgen receptor in breast cancer: expression inestrogen receptor-positive tumors and in estrogen-negative tumors withapocrine differentiation. Modern Pathology 23:205-212, 2010; Narita D,et al. Immunohistochemical expression of androgen receptor andprostate-specific antigen in breast cancer. Folia Histochemica EtCytobiologica 44:165-172, 2006). High percentages (72-84%) of metastaticlesions obtained from women with advanced breast cancer have also beenfound to be AR-positive (Lea O A. et al. Improved measurement ofandrogen receptors in human breast cancer. Cancer Research 49:7162-7167,1989).

As 70% or greater of the women with ER-positive breast cancer wereexpected to have tumors that are AR-positive, the study was designed toenroll approximately 27 subjects (of 40 originally intended to beenrolled) with AR-positive breast cancer in each dose arm, enablingassessment of the primary endpoint in AR-positive subjects, as well asthe secondary and tertiary endpoints in subsets based on AR status(i.e., all subjects, AR-positive subjects, and AR-negative subjects).

At the time of this writing, patient demographics were: mean age 63.7years, mean time from diagnosis 11.0 years, 72.7% prior chemotherapy,89% ( 17/19) AR+, 41% detectable baseline PSA and 86.4% previousradiation.

TABLE 1 The baseline characteristic by response was as follows: ClinicalBenefit Clinical Benefit Progressive Disease at Best Response at 6Months at 6 Months or Prior N = 9 N = 7 N = 12 Mean age 65.5 Mean age64.6 Mean age 60.5 AR status 7/7 AR+ AR status 6/6 AR+ AR status 8/10AR+ Years from Diagnosis Years from Diagnosis Years from Diagnosis (Dx)(Dx) (Dx) Mean 13.7 Mean 15.7 Mean 8.6 Median 11.4 Median 15.0 Median7.8 (5.1-27.2) (8.5-27.2) (1.9-22.8) Years from Dx to Years from Dx toYears from Dx to Metastasis (Mets) Metastasis (Mets) Metastasis (Mets)Mean 8.6 Mean 9.8 Mean 4.4 Median 9.3 (0-15.8) Median 9.8 (0-15.8)Median 4.1 (0-17.2) Chemotherapy Chemotherapy Chemotherapy (NA + A): 6/9(NA + A): 5/7 (NA + A): 9/12 Everolimus: 0/9 Everolimus: 0/7 Everolimus:4/12 Bone only disease: Bone only disease: Bone only disease: 4/9 4/71/12 Visceral only Visceral only Visceral only disease: 2/9 disease: 2/7disease: 2/12

TABLE 2 Table of Subjects Assessed as Having Clinical Benefit as BestResponse Time (y) Number of Time (y) Time (y) From Lines of From From Dxto Metastatic Previous Initial Metastatic Dx to Hormonal Subject Age ARBC Dx Disease Enrollment Therapy Metastases 22 73.9 + 8.7 8.5 0.2 2Lymph Nodes, Bone 07 64.1 5.1 0 5.1 2 Peritoneum, Bone 08 52.5 + 11.49.8 1.6 2 Bone 14 65.6 + 27.2 13.5 13.7 5 Liver, Bone 16 80.1 + 21.612.5 9.1 3 Lung, Chest Wall, Skin 19 67.6 + 9.5 8 1.5 4 Bone 18 54.4 +15 9.3 5.7 4 Bone 03 62.8 + 16.6 15.8 0.8 1 Bone 11 69 8.5 0 8.5 2 Liver

TABLE 3 Table of Subjects Assessed as Having Clinical Benefit at 6Months Time (y) Number of Time (y) Time (y) From Lines of From From Dxto Metastatic Previous Initial Metastatic Dx to Hormonal Subject Age ARBC Dx Disease Enrollment Therapy Metastases 08 52.5 + 11.4 9.8 1.6 2Bone 14 65.6 + 27.2 13.5 13.7 5 Liver, Bone 16 80.1 + 21.6 12.5 9.1 3Lung, Chest Wall, Skin 19 67.6 + 9.5 8 1.5 4 Bone 18 54.4 + 15 9.3 5.7 4Bone 03 62.8 + 16.6 15.8 0.8 1 Bone 11 69 8.5 0 8.5 2 Liver

TABLE 4 Table of Subjects Assessed as Having Progressive Disease at 6Months or Prior Time (y) Number of Time (y) Time (y) From Lines of FromFrom Dx to Metastatic Previous Initial Metastatic Dx to Hormonal SubjectAge AR BC Dx Disease Enrollment Therapy Metastases 20 66.9 + 1.9 0.1 1.85 Lymph Nodes, Bone 07 64.1 5.1 0 5.1 2 Peritoneum, Bone 06 49.1 + 7.65.1 2.5 3 Pleura, Liver, Lymph Nodes 09 67.3 + 7.9 4 3.9 3 Lymph Nodes,Liver, Bone 12 48.5 14.4 4.1 10.3 5 Lung, Liver, Bone 13 63.5 + 5.8 05.8 3 Abd Wall, Lung, Bone, Skin 21 56.3 + 3.7 0 3.7 2 Liver, Bone 0167.3 + 3.7 2 Lung, Liver, Bone 02 62.1 − 8.3 5.3 3 4 Bone, AdrenalNodule 04 45.7 − 5.3 0 5.3 6 Bone 17 84.7 + 22.8 17.2 5.6 4 Bone, Pleura10 50.8 + 16 12.7 3.3 3 Lymph Nodes, Neck

Treatment

Subjects received 9 mg daily dose of Formula IX, with baseline andregular on study assessments of safety and efficacy.

Measurable and non-measurable lesions (primary and/or metastatic) wereidentified and assessed by a modified Response Evaluation Criteria InSolid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) classification over the course of this study(described in detail below).

Study Duration

Each subject enrolled into this study received intervention until aprogression free survival (PFS) endpoint has been reached (tumorprogression or death). Subjects will be followed after treatment hasbeen discontinued for vital status only.

Efficacy Endpoints

The primary efficacy analysis was the clinical benefit in subjects withAR-positive breast cancer at 6 months as measured by a modified ResponseEvaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors (RECIST 1.1) classification. Keysecondary endpoints of clinical benefit in all subjects and AR-negativesubjects, as well as objective response rate, progression free survival,time to progression, duration of response, incidence of SREs, and timeto first SRE in subsets based on AR status (i.e., all subjects,AR-positive subjects, and AR-negative subjects) was also assessed.Effects on CA 27-29, PSA, bone turnover markers, QOL, and libido wereassessed as tertiary endpoints.

Primary Endpoint

Clinical benefit in a subject is defined as a complete response [CR], apartial response [PR] or stable disease [SD] as measured by modifiedRECIST 1.1, which is described in detail below. (Eisenhauer E A et alNew response evaluation criteria in solid tumors: revised RECISTguideline (version 1.1). European Journal of Cancer 45:228-247, 2009).

For subjects with non-measurable (non-target) disease only at baseline,SD was defined as those with non-CR/non-PD combined response. Theprimary endpoint of the study was to assess the proportion of subjectswith clinical benefit (PCB) at 6 months (CR+PR+SD) in subjects withAR-positive breast cancer.

Secondary Endpoints

The secondary efficacy endpoints include:

-   -   To assess the clinical benefit in all subjects with breast        cancer treated with Formula IX. The clinical benefit is defined        as the proportion of subjects with complete response        [CR]+partial response [PR]+stable disease [SD] as measured by        modified RECIST 1.1 (Eisenhauer E A et al New response        evaluation criteria in solid tumors: revised RECIST guideline        (Version 1.1). European Journal of Cancer 45: 228-247,2009).    -   For subjects with non-measurable (non-target) disease only at        baseline, SD was defined as those with non-CR/non-PD combined        response.    -   To assess objective response rate (ORR) in subjects with breast        cancer treated with Formula IX. Objective response rate is        defined as the proportion of subjects with a CR or PR at 6        months as measured by modified RECIST 1.1. For subjects with        non-measurable (non-target) disease only at baseline, ORR is        defined as the proportion of subjects with a CR at 6 months as        measured by modified RECIST 1.1.    -   To assess progression free survival (PFS) in subjects with        breast cancer treated with Formula IX. PFS is defined as the        time elapsed between treatment initiation and tumor progression        as measured by modified RECIST 1.1 OR death.    -   To assess time to progression (TTP) in subjects with breast        cancer treated with Formula IX. Time to tumor progression is        defined as the time elapsed between treatment initiation and        tumor progression as measured by modified RECIST 1.1.    -   To assess duration of response in subjects with breast cancer        treated with Formula IX.    -   To assess incidence of skeletal related events (SREs) in        subjects treated with Formula IX.    -   To assess time to first skeletal related event (SRE) in subjects        treated with Formula IX.

Tertiary Endpoints

-   -   To assess serum CA 27-29 changes in subjects with breast cancer        treated with Formula IX.    -   To assess serum PSA changes in subjects with breast cancer        treated with Formula IX.    -   To assess changes in bone turnover markers (serum osteocalcin,        serum collagen type I cross linked C-telopeptide [CTX], serum        collagen type I cross linked N-telopeptide [NTX], serum bone        specific alkaline phosphatase, and urinary NTX in subjects        treated with Formula IX.    -   To assess the effect of Formula IX on quality of life (QOL) as        measured by FACIT-F questionnaire in subjects treated with        Formula IX.    -   To assess the effect of Formula IX on libido as measured by        female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire in subjects        treated with Formula IX.    -   To explore the relationship of various levels of AR expression        as determined by immunohistochemistry with primary, secondary        and tertiary objectives.

Results:

After a median follow-up of 81 days (d) (range 7-304 d), preliminaryresults of the 22 patients were as follows: 9 SD was observed as bestresponse, median duration 212 d. Current disposition of all patients: 15PD after a median 80 d (range 15-304 d), 4 SD, and 3 earlydiscontinuations (d 7, 28, 255). Among patients who reached 6 m, six areAR-positive with SD and increased PSA. 1 has yet to reach 6 m and no CRor PR has been observed. Formula IX was well-tolerated, with no drugrelated serious adverse events and none exceeding Grade 3.

No useful trends were seen with the biomarkers of bone turnover: bonespecific alkaline phosphatase, C-telopeptides, N-telopeptides, andosteocalcin. Likewise breast cancer biomarker CA 27-29 did notdemonstrate any useful trends.

PSA levels appeared to increase in response to Formula IX treatment aswas observed in 20 of the 22 patients measured, but correlation withclinical benefit or disease progression is not yet evident.

The following non serous adverse events were observed:

A-fib(1); anxiety/emotional changes (5), arthralgia (6), bloating (2),bruising (1), cellulitis (1), chills (1), constipation (2), cough (1),dehydration (1), diarrhea (3), dizziness (2), dysgeusia (1), dyspepsia(1), dyspnea (3), edema (2), fatigue (14), fever (1), flatulence (1),glaucoma (1), headache (4), hot flash night sweats (7), hypertension(2), infection (1), insomnia (2), myalgia (5), nail discoloration (1),nausea (11), pain (22), paresthesia (1), pleural effusion (1), polyuria(1), post menopausal bleeding (3), rash/acne (3), stiffness (1),tendonitis (1), vision changes (3), vomiting (2), weight gain (2), andweight loss (2).

The liver enzymes (ALT, AST and bilirubin) returned to baseline with nointerruption of therapy and no increase in total bilirubin.

Conclusions: Formula IX demonstrated promise as a novel targeted therapyfor AR-positive MBC. The primary endpoint was achieved, with 6/17AR-positive patients Meeting statistical threshold for success. SerumPSA appeared to be a surrogate marker for AR activity and diseaseresponse.

TABLE 5 AR Status and Patient Disposition Primary Metastatic Days LesionLesion MAX Patient Day 84 Day 168 Current on H ER H ER PSA PSA # RECISTRECIST Disposition Study Score % Score % Day 0 F/U 01 PD N/A Deceased100 245 40 270 90 0.220 0.046 02 PD N/A PD 91 200 50 0 0 <0.007 0.092 03SD SD D/C 255 260 80 265 90 0.010 2.430 04 PD N/A PD 105 0 20 0 60<0.007 0.058 05 D/C SAE N/A D/C 7 300 100 300 100 <0.007 0.008 (D 2) 06PD N/A Deceased 18 55 70 <0.007 <0.007 (D 15) 07 SD PD PD 158 <0.0070.078 08 SD SD PD 308 120 95 0.104 0.217 09 PD SAE N/A Deceased 52 15070 0.009 9.610 (D 52) 10 PD N/A PD 63 195 40 <0.007 0.450 11 SD SD PD230 300 100 0.104 3.540 12 PD N/A PD 84 <0.007 0.238 13 PD N/A PD 84 210100 0.023 8.180 14 SD SD PD 252 95 1 <0.007 0.548 (D 56) (D 140) 15 D/CN/A Deceased 28 160 95 <0.007 0.062 16 SD SD SD 239 240 95 <0.007 0.02417 PD N/A PD 86 70 30 2.850 13.160 18 SD SD SD 202 285 90 <0.007 0.06919 SD SD SD 190 110 <0.007 0.031 20 PD N/A PD 99 300 100 0.080 0.795 21PD N/A PD 84 160 100 0.298 0.301 22 SD SD 137 285 90 <0.007 0.028Subject 02 and 04 were the only two AR-negative subjects on trial.Subjects 03, 07, 08, 11, 14, 16, 18, 19 and 22 were assessed as havingclinical benefit as their best response (9 of 22 total subjects).Subjects with clinical benefit at Day 168 (6 months which was theclinical endpoint) were 03, 08, 14, 16, 18, and 19 (6 of 19 AR-positivesubjects). Subject 11 was missing a metastasis biopsy and hence couldnot be counted toward the primary endpoint. Subject 22 has not yetreached the 6 month (day 168) on study date such that she could becounted toward the primary endpoint.

Modified RECIST 1.1

The modified RECIST 1.1 definitions described below was applied:

Measurable Lesions

A measurable lesion is defined as one lesion whose longest diameter (LD)can be accurately measured as ≥10 mm CT or MRI technique by using a 5 mmcontiguous reconstruction algorithm.

Measurable lesions must be at least 2 times the slice thickness or atleast two times the size of the CT scan interval cut.

Lesions seen on chest x-ray but not confirmed by CT or MRI scan are notacceptable as measurable lesions for this study.

To be considered pathologically enlarged and measurable, a lymph nodemust be >15 mm in short axis when assessed by CT scan (CT scan slicethickness recommended to be no greater than 5 mm). At baseline and infollow-up, only the short axis will be measured and followed.

Measurable disease is defined as the presence of at least one measurablelesion.

All measurements will betaken and recorded in millimeters using anelectronic measurement method.

Non-Measurable Lesions

Non-measurable lesions are defined as any lesion(s) that are smallerthan the criteria for measurable lesions stated above (non-nodal lesionswith longest diameter <10 mm or pathological lymph nodes with >10 mm to<15 mm in short axis) or truly non measurable lesions (or sites ofdisease). Lesions considered to be truly non-measurable are bone lesions(lytic lesions or mixed lytic-blastic lesions without identifiable softtissue components, and blastic lesions), leptomeningeal disease,ascites, pleural/pericardial effusions, lymphangitis cutis/pulmonis,inflammatory breast disease, abdominal masses not confirmed by imagingtechniques, and cystic lesions.

Target Lesions

Target lesions must be measurable lesions.

All target lesions up to a maximum of two lesions per organ and fivelesions in total, representative of all involved organs, will beselected/confirmed as target lesions, recorded and measured at baseline.

Target lesions should be selected on the basis of their size (lesionswith the longest diameter) and their suitability for accurate repetitivemeasurements by CT/MRI imaging techniques and be most representative ofthe subject's tumor burden.

Target lesions will be measured in one dimension by the size estimationof their diameter. A sum of the diameters (longest for non-nodal lesionsand shortest for nodal lesions) for all target lesions will becalculated and reported for each time point. The baseline sum ofdiameters will be used as reference to further characterize theobjective tumor response of the measurable dimension of the disease.

Non-Target Lesions

All other lesions (or sites of disease) and any measurable lesions thatwere not selected as target lesions should be identified as non-targetlesions and indicated as present at baseline.

Measurements of the non-target lesions may be performed, however thecontinued presence or absence as well as the disappearance orprogression status of these lesions will be noted throughout follow-upassessments.

New Lesions

New lesions will be called at follow-up visits regardless of whetherthey occur in anatomic regions that were routinely subjected tofollow-up, or in regions without disease at baseline and for which afollow-up scan is performed for clinical suspicion of new disease. Newlymph nodes need to have a minimum size of 10 mm in their shortest axis.New non-nodal lesions need not to be measurable or to have a minimumsize. Measurements of new lesions may be performed.

Response Criteria Definitions

The following response criteria will be applied for target andnon-target lesions:

Target Lesion Response Criteria

Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Targetlymph node lesions that become <10 mm in their shortest diameter will beconsidered to be normal (non-pathologic) and their actual measurementwill be recorded. Thus, it follows that if all target node lesions havebecome <10 mm, and all other non-nodal lesions have disappeared (whethertarget or non-target type), the overall response will be considered tobe a CR.

Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diametersof target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum of thediameters.

Stable Disease (SD): Neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR norsufficient increase to qualify for PD taking as reference the smallestsum of diameters (nadir).

Progressive Disease (PD): At least a 20% increase in the sum of thediameters of target lesions taking as reference the smallest sum ofdiameters (nadir) recorded since the treatment started. In addition tothe relative increase of 20%, the sum of diameters must also demonstratean absolute increase of at least 5 mm.

Not evaluable (NE): NE can be applied if repeated measurements cannot beassessed for reasons such as inadequate or missing imaging.

Non-Target Lesion Response Criteria

Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all non-target lesions. Alllymph nodes must be non-pathological in size (<10 mm short axis).Disappearance of bone lesions identified on bone scintigraphy.

Non-CR/Non-PD: Persistence of one or more non-target lesions. Stability,decrease, or mild increase in uptake of bone lesions on bonescintigraphy.

Progressive Disease (PD): Unequivocal progression of existing non-targetlesions. A perceived increase in bone disease in a preexisting area willnot be considered progression. For bone scintigraphy, at least two newlesions are required to conclude to a definite presence of new lesionsunless one or more of these lesions are confirmed by radiography, CT orMRI.

Not Evaluable (NE): NE can be applied if repeated evaluations cannot beassessed for reasons such as inadequate or missing imaging.

Definitions of Combined Response at Each Time Point

Determination of an overall response for each time point is based on thecombination of responses for target, non-target, and the presence orabsence of new lesions using the algorithm outlined on tables C1 and C2below.

TABLE C1 Summary of Definitions of Response for Patients with Measurable(Target) Disease at Baseline Response of Combined Lesion Types TargetCombined Lesions Non-Target Lesions New Lesions Response CR CR No CR CRNon-CR/non-PD or NE No PR PR CR, non-CR/non-PD, or NE No PR SD CR,non-CR/non-PD, or NE No SD PD Any Yes or No PD Any PD Yes or No PD AnyAny Yes PD NE Non-PD No NE Non-PD Non-PD NE NE

TABLE C2 Summary of Definitions of Response for Patients withNon-Measurable (Non-Target) Disease only at Baseline Response ofCombined Lesion Types Non-Target Lesions New Lesions Combined ResponseCR No CR Non-CR/non-PD No Non-CR/non-PD NE No NE PD Yes or No PD Any YesPD

Example 10 Synthesis of (S) Enantiomer of Formula VIII

(2R)-1-Methacryloylpyrrolidin-2-carboxylic Acid. D-Proline, 14.93 g,0.13 mol) was dissolved in 71 mL of 2 N NaOH and cooled in an ice bath;the resulting alkaline solution was diluted with acetone (71 mL). Anacetone solution (71 mL) of methacryloyl chloride (13.56 g, 0.13 mol)and 2 N NaOH solution (71 mL) were simultaneously added over 40 min tothe aqueous solution of D-proline in an ice bath. The pH of the mixturewas kept at 10-11° C. during the addition of the methacryloyl chloride.After stirring (3 h, room temperature), the mixture was evaporated invacuo at a temperature at 35-45° C. to remove acetone. The resultingsolution was washed with ethyl ether and was acidified to pH 2 withconcentrated HCl. The acidic mixture was saturated with NaCl and wasextracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3). The combined extracts were dried overNa₂SO₄, filtered through Celite®, and evaporated in vacuo to give thecrude product as a colorless oil. Recrystallization of the oil fromethyl ether and hexanes afforded 16.2 g (68%) of the desired compound ascolorless crystals: mp 102-103° C.; the NMR spectrum of this compounddemonstrated the existence of two rotamers of the title compound. ¹H NMR(300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 5.28 (s) and 5.15 (s) for the first rotamer, 5.15(s) and 5.03 (s) for the second rotamer (totally 2H for both rotamers,vinyl CH₂), 4.48-4.44 for the first rotamer, 4.24-4.20 (m) for thesecond rotamer (totally 1H for both rotamers, CH at the chiral canter),3.57-3.38 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.27-2.12 (1H, CH), 1.97-1.72 (m, 6H, CH₂, CH,Me); ¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ for major rotamer 173.3, 169.1, 140.9,116.4, 58.3, 48.7, 28.9, 24.7, 19.5: for minor rotamer 174.0, 170.0,141.6, 115.2, 60.3, 45.9, 31.0, 22.3, 19.7; IR (KBr) 3437 (OH), 1737(C═O), 1647 (CO, COOH), 1584, 1508, 1459, 1369, 1348, 1178 cm¹; [α]_(D)²⁶+80.8° (c=1, MeOH); Anal. Calcd. for C₉H₁₃NO₃: C 59.00, H 7.15, N7.65. Found: C 59.13, H 7.19, N 7.61.

(3R,8aR)-3-Bromomethyl-3-methyl-tetrahydro-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine-1,4-dione.A solution of NBS (23.5 g, 0.132 mol) in 100 mL of DMF was addeddropwise to a stirred solution of the (methyl-acryloyl)-pyrrolidine(16.1 g, 88 mmol) in 70 mL of DMF under argon at room temperature, andthe resulting mixture was stirred 3 days. The solvent was removed invacuo, and a yellow solid was precipitated. The solid was suspended inwater, stirred overnight at room temperature, filtered, and dried togive 18.6 g (81%) (smaller weight when dried˜34%) of the titled compoundas a yellow solid: mp 152-154° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 4.69 (dd,J=9.6 Hz, J=6.7 Hz, 1H, CH at the chiral center), 4.02 (d, J=11.4 Hz,1H, CHH_(a)), 3.86 (d, J=11.4 Hz, 1H, CHH_(b)), 3.53-3.24 (m, 4H, CH₂),2.30-2.20 (m, 1H, CH), 2.04-1.72 (m, 3H, CH₂ and CH), 1.56 (s, 2H, Me);¹³C NMR (75 MHz, DMSO-d₆) δ 167.3, 163.1, 83.9, 57.2, 45.4, 37.8, 29.0,22.9, 21.6; IR (KBr) 3474, 1745 (C═O), 1687 (C═O), 1448, 1377, 1360,1308, 1227, 1159, 1062 cm⁻¹; [α]_(D) ²⁶+124.5° (c=1.3, chloroform);Anal. Calcd. for C₉H₁₂BrNO₃: C 41.24, H 4.61, N 5.34. Found: C 41.46, H4.64, N 5.32.

(2R)-3-Bromo-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic Acid. A mixture of bromolactone(18.5 g, 71 mmol) in 300 mL of 24% HBr was heated at reflux for 1 h. Theresulting solution was diluted with brine (200 mL), and was extractedwith ethyl acetate (100 mL×4). The combined extracts were washed withsaturated NaHCO₃ (100 mL×4). The aqueous solution was acidified withconcentrated HCl to pH=1, which, in turn, was extracted with ethylacetate (100 mL×4). The combined organic solution was dried over Na₂SO₄,filtered through Celite, and evaporated in vacuo to dryness.Recrystallization from toluene afforded 10.2 g (86%) of the desiredcompound as colorless crystals: mp 107-109° C.; ¹H NMR (300 MHz,DMSO-d₆) δ 3.63 (d, J=10.1 Hz, 1H, CHH_(a)), 3.52 (d, J=10.1 Hz, 1H,CHH_(b)), 1.35 (s, 3H, Me); IR (KBr) 3434 (OH), 3300-2500 (COOH), 1730(C═O), 1449, 1421, 1380, 1292, 1193, 1085 cm⁻¹; [α]_(D) ²⁶+10.5° (c=2.6,MeOH); Anal. Calcd. for C₄H₇BrO₃: C 26.25, H 3.86. Found: C 26.28, H3.75.

Synthesis of(2R)-3-bromo-N-(3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide.Thionyl chloride (7.8 g, 65.5 mmol) was added dropwise to a cooledsolution (less than 4° C.) of (R)-3-bromo-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoicacid (9.0 g, 49.2 mmol) in 50 mL of THF under an argon atmosphere. Theresulting mixture was stirred for 3 h under the same condition. To thiswas added Et₃N (6.6 g, 65.5 mol) and stirred for 20 min under the samecondition. After 20 min, 4-amino-2-chlorobenzonitrile (5.0 g, 32.8 mmol)and 100 mL of THF were added and then the mixture was allowed to stirovernight at room temperature. The solvent was removed under reducedpressure to give a solid which was treated with 100 mL of H₂O, extractedwith EtOAc (2×150 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed withsaturated NaHCO₃ solution (2×100 mL) and brine (300 mL), successively.The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated under reducedpressure to give a solid which was purified from column chromatographyusing EtOAc/hexane (50:50) to give 7.7 g (49.4%) of target compound as abrown solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.7 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.0 (s, 1H, OH), 3.7 (d, 1H, CH),4.0 (d, 1H, CH), 7.5 (d, 1H, ArH), 7.7 (d, 1H, ArH), 8.0 (s, 1H, ArH),8.8 (s, 1H, NH). MS:342.1 (M+23). Mp 129° C.

Synthesis of(S)—N-(3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(Formula VIII). A mixture of bromoamide (2.0 g, 6.3 mmol), anhydrousK₂CO₃ (2.6 g, 18.9 mmol) in 50 mL of acetone was heated to reflux for 2h and then concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid. Theresulting solid was treated with 4-cyanophenol (1.1 g, 9.5 mmol) andanhydrous K₂CO₃ (1.7 g, 12.6 mmol) in 50 mL of 2-propanol was heated toreflux for 3 h and then concentrated under reduced pressure to give asolid. The residue was treated with 100 mL of H₂O and then extractedwith EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with 10%NaOH (4×100 mL) and brine, successively. The organic layer was driedover MgSO₄ and then concentrated under reduced pressure to give an oilwhich was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/hexane (50:50)to give a solid. The solid was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give1.4 g (61.6%) of(S)—N-(3-chloro-4-cyanophenyl)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamideas a colorless solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.61 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.25 (s, 1H, OH), 4.06 (d,J=9.15 Hz, 1H, CH), 4.50 (d, J=9.15 Hz, 1H, CH), 6.97-6.99 (m, 2H, ArH),7.53-7.59 (m, 4H, ArH), 7.97 (d, J=2.01 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.96 (s, 1H, NH).Calculated Mass: 355.1, [M+Na]⁺378.0. Mp: 103-105° C.

Example 11 Synthesis of (S) Enantiomer of Formula IX

Synthesis of(2R)-3-Bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide.Thionyl chloride (46.02 g, 0.39 mol) was added dropwise to a cooledsolution (less than 4° C.) of (R)-3-bromo-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoicacid (51.13 g, 0.28 mol) in 300 mL of THF under an argon atmosphere.(R)-3-Bromo-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid was prepared as describedin Example 10. The resulting mixture was stirred for 3 h under the samecondition. To this was added Et₃N (39.14 g, 0.39 mol) and stirred for 20min under the same condition. After 20 min,5-amino-2-cyanobenzotrifluoride (40.0 g, 0.21 mol), 400 mL of THF wereadded and then the mixture was allowed to stir overnight at roomtemperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give asolid which was treated with 300 mL of H₂O, extracted with EtOAc (2×400mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated NaHCO₃solution (2×300 mL) and brine (300 mL). The organic layer was dried overMgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid which waspurified from column chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (80:20) to give asolid. This solid was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give 55.8 g(73.9%) of(2R)-3-bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamideas a light-yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.66 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.11 (s, 1H, OH), 3.63 (d,J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 4.05 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 7.85 (d, J=8.4 Hz,1H, ArH), 7.99 (dd, J=2.1, 8.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.12 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H,ArH), 9.04 (bs, 1H, NH). Calculated Mass: 349.99, [M−H]⁻ 349.0. M.p.:124-126° C.

Synthesis of(S)—N-(4-Cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(Formula IX). A mixture of bromoamide((2R)-3-bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide,50 g, 0.14 mol), anhydrous K₂CO₃ (59.04 g, 0.43 mol), 4-cyanophenol(25.44 g, 0.21 mol) in 500 mL of 2-propanol was heated to reflux for 3 hand then concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid. Theresulting residue was treated with 500 mL of H₂O and then extracted withEtOAc (2×300 mL). The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with 10% NaOH(4×200 mL) and brine. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and thenconcentrated under reduced pressure to give an oil which was treatedwith 300 mL of ethanol and an activated carbon. The reaction mixture washeated to reflux for 1 h and then the hot mixture was filtered throughCelite®. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give anoil. This oil was purified by column chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc(80:20) to give an oil which was crystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give33.2 g (59.9%) of(S)—N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamideas a colorless solid (a cotton type).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.63 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.35 (s, 1H,OH), 4.07 (d, J=9.04Hz, 1H, CH), 4.51 (d, J=9.04 Hz, 1H, CH), 6.97-6.99 (m, 2H, ArH),7.57-7.60 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.81 (d, J=8.55 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.97 (dd, J=1.95,8.55 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.12 (d, J=1.95 Hz, 1H, ArH), 9.13 (bs, 1H, NH).Calculated Mass: 389.10, [M−H]⁻ 388.1. Mp: 92-94° C.

Example 12 Synthesis of (R) Enantiomer of Formula IX

Synthesis of(2S)-3-bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(precursor to R-enantiomer of Formula IX). Thionyl chloride (46.02 g,0.39 mol) was added dropwise to a cooled solution (less than 4° C.) of(S)-3-bromo-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid (51.13 g, 0.28 mol) in 300mL of THF under an argon atmosphere. The resulting mixture was stirredfor 3 h under the same condition. To this was added Et₃N (39.14 g, 0.39mol) and stirred for 20 min under the same condition. After 20 min,5-amino-2-cyanobenzotrifluoride (40.0 g, 0.21 mol), 400 mL of THF wereadded and then the mixture was allowed to stir overnight at roomtemperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give asolid which was treated with 300 mL of H₂O, extracted with EtOAc (2×400mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated NaHCO₃solution (2×300 mL) and brine (300 mL). The organic layer was dried overMgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid which waspurified from column chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (80:20) to give asolid. This solid was recrystallized from EtOAc/hexane to give 55.8 g(73.9%) of target compound as a light-yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.66 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.11 (s, 1H, OH), 3.63 (d,J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 4.05 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 7.85 (d, J=8.4 Hz,1H, ArH), 7.99 (dd, J=2.1, 8.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.12 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H,ArH), 9.04 (bs, 1H, NH).

Calculated Mass: 349.99, [M−H]⁻ 349.0. Mp: 124-126° C.

Synthesis of(R)—N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(R-enantiomer of Formula IX). A mixture of bromoamide (50.0 g, 0.14mol), anhydrous K₂CO₃ (59.04 g, 0.43 mol), 4-cyanophenol (25.44 g, 0.21mol) in 500 mL of 2-propanol was heated to reflux for 3 h and thenconcentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid. The resultingresidue was treated with 500 mL of H₂O and then extracted with EtOAc(2×300 mL). The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with 10% NaOH (4×200mL) and brine. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and thenconcentrated under reduced pressure to give an oil which was treatedwith 300 mL of ethanol and an activated carbon. The reaction mixture washeated to reflux for 1 h and then the hot mixture was filtered throughCelite®. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give anoil. This oil was purified by column chromatography using hexane/EtOAc(20:80) to give an oil which was crystallized from EtOAc/hexane to give33.2 g (59.9%) of(R)—N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(R-isomer of Formula IX) as a colorless solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.63 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.44 (s, 1H,OH), 4.07 (d, J=9.16Hz, 1H, CH), 4.51 (d, J=9.16 Hz, 1H, CH), 6.97-6.99 (m, 2H, ArH),7.57-7.59 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.81 (d, J=8.54 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.97 (dd, J=2.07,8.54 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.12 (d, J=2.07 Hz, 1H, ArH), 9.15 (bs, 1H, NH).Calculated Mass: 389.10, [M−H]⁻ 388.1. Mp: 92-94° C.

Example 13 Synthesis of (S) Enantiomer of Formula X

Synthesis of(2R)-3-bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide.Thionyl chloride (46.02 g, 0.39 mol) was added dropwise to a cooledsolution (less than 4° C.) of (R)-3-bromo-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoicacid (51.13 g, 0.28 mol) in 300 mL of THF under an argon atmosphere. Theresulting mixture was stirred for 3 h under the same condition. To thiswas added Et₃N (39.14 g, 0.39 mol) and stirred for 20 min under the samecondition. After 20 min, 5-amino-2-cyanobenzotrifluoride (40.0 g, 0.21mol), 400 mL of THF were added and then the mixture was allowed to stirovernight at room temperature. The solvent was removed under reducedpressure to give a solid which was treated with 300 mL of H₂O, extractedwith EtOAc (2×400 mL). The combined organic extracts were washed withsaturated NaHCO₃ solution (2×300 mL) and brine (300 mL). The organiclayer was dried over MgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure togive a solid which was purified by column chromatography usingCH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (80:20) to give a solid. This solid was recrystallized fromCH₂Cl₂/hexane to give a target compound (55.8 g, 73.9%) as alight-yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.66 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.11 (s, 1H, OH), 3.63 (d,J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 4.05 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 7.85 (d, J=8.4 Hz,1H, ArH), 7.99 (dd, J=2.1, 8.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.12 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H,ArH), 9.04 (bs, 1H, NH). Calculated Mass: 349.99, [M−H]⁻ 349.0. Mp:124-126° C.

Synthesis of(S)—N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(Formula X). A mixture of bromoamide (10.0 g, 28.5 mmol), anhydrousK₂CO₃ (11.8 g, 85.4 mmol) in 150 mL of acetone was heated to reflux for1 h and then concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid. Theresulting residue was treated with 4-fluorophenol (4.8 g, 42.7 mmol),anhydrous K₂CO₃ (7.9 g, 57.0 mmol), 150 mL of 2-propanol and then heatedto reflux for 2 h. The resulting mixture was concentrated under reducedpressure to give a solid. This solid was treated with 300 mL of H₂O andextracted with EtOAc (2×250 mL). The combined EtOAc extracts were washedwith a saturated NaHCO₃ solution (2×250 mL) and brine. The organic layerwas dried over MgSO₄ and then concentrated under reduced pressure togive an oil which was purified by column chromatography usingCH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (80:20) to give a solid. This solid was recrystallized fromCH₂Cl₂/hexane to give(S)—N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(Formula X, 10.04 g, 92.2%) as a colorless solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.59 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.36 (s, 1H,OH), 3.95 (d, J=9.00Hz, 1H, CH), 4.43 (d, J=9.00 Hz, 1H, CH), 6.87-6.88 (m, 2H, ArH),6.96-7.02 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.81 (d, J=8.45 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.94-7.98 (m, 1H,ArH), 8.10 (d, J=1.79 Hz, 1H, ArH), 9.11 (s, 1H, NH). Calculated Mass:382.31, [M−H]⁻380.9. Mp: 139-141° C.

Example 14 Synthesis of (S) Enantiomer of Formula XIII

Synthesis of(2R)-3-Bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide.Thionyl chloride (46.02 g, 0.39 mol) was added dropwise to a cooledsolution (less than 4° C.) of R-18 (51.13 g, 0.28 mol) in 300 mL of THFunder an argon atmosphere. R-18 is(R)-3-bromo-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid was prepared as describedin Example 10. The resulting mixture was stirred for 3 h under the samecondition. To this was added Et₃N (39.14 g, 0.39 mol) and stirred for 20min under the same condition. After 20 min,5-amino-2-cyanobenzotrifluoride (40.0 g, 0.21 mol), 400 mL of THF wereadded and then the mixture was allowed to stir overnight at roomtemperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give asolid which was treated with 300 mL of H₂O, extracted with EtOAc (2×400mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated NaHCO₃solution (2×300 mL) and brine (300 mL). The organic layer was dried overMgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid which waspurified from column chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (80:20) to give asolid. This solid was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give 55.8 g(73.9%) of(2R)-3-bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(R-19) as a light-yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.66 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.11 (s, 1H, OH), 3.63 (d,J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 4.05 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 7.85 (d, J=8.4 Hz,1H, ArH), 7.99 (dd, J=2.1, 8.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.12 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H,ArH), 9.04 (bs, 1H, NH). Calculated Mass: 349.99, [M−H]⁻ 349.0. M.p.:124-126° C.

Synthesis of(S)—N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-cyano-3-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(Formula XIII). A mixture of bromoamide((2R)-3-bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamideR-19 (2.0 g, 5.70 mmol)), anhydrous K₂CO₃ (2.4 g, 17.1 mmol) in 50 mL ofacetone was heated to reflux for 2 h and then concentrated under reducedpressure to give a solid. The resulting solid was treated with2-fluoro-4-hydroxybenzonitrile (1.2 g, 8.5 mmol) and anhydrous K₂CO₃(1.6 g, 11.4 mmol) in 50 mL of 2-propanol was heated to reflux for 3 hand then concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid. Theresidue was treated with 100 mL of H₂O and then extracted with EtOAc(2×100 mL). The combined EtOAc extracts were washed with 10% NaOH (4×100mL) and brine, successively. The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ andthen concentrated under reduced pressure to give an oil which wascrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give 0.5 g (23%) of(S)—N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-cyano-3-fluorophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamideas a colorless solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.63 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.34 (bs, 1H, OH), 4.08 (d,J=9.17 Hz, 1H, CH), 4.50 (d, J=9.17 Hz, 1H, CH), 6.74-6.82 (m, 2H, ArH),7.50-7.55 (m, 1H, ArH), 7.81 (d, J=8.50 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.97 (q, J=2.03,8.50 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.11 (d, J=2.03 Hz, 1H, ArH), 9.12 (s, 1H, NH).Calculated Mass: 407.1, [M+Na]⁻ 430.0. Mp: 124-125° C.

Example 15 Synthesis of (S) Enantiomer of Formula XIV

Synthesis of(2R)-3-Bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide.Thionyl chloride (46.02 g, 0.39 mol) was added dropwise to a cooledsolution (less than 4° C.) of R-18 (51.13 g, 0.28 mol) in 300 mL of THFunder an argon atmosphere. R-18 is(R)-3-bromo-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid was prepared as describedin Example 10. The resulting mixture was stirred for 3 h under the samecondition. To this was added Et₃N (39.14 g, 0.39 mol) and stirred for 20min under the same condition. After 20 min,5-amino-2-cyanobenzotrifluoride (40.0 g, 0.21 mol), 400 mL of THF wereadded and then the mixture was allowed to stir overnight at roomtemperature. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give asolid which was treated with 300 mL of H₂O, extracted with EtOAc (2×400mL). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated NaHCO₃solution (2×300 mL) and brine (300 mL). The organic layer was dried overMgSO₄ and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a solid, which waspurified from column chromatography using CH₂Cl₂/EtOAc (80:20) to give asolid. This solid was recrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give 55.8 g(73.9%) of(2R)-3-bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(R-19) as a light-yellow solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.66 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.11 (s, 1H, OH), 3.63 (d,J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 4.05 (d, J=10.8 Hz, 1H, CH₂), 7.85 (d, J=8.4 Hz,1H, ArH), 7.99 (dd, J=2.1, 8.4 Hz, 1H, ArH), 8.12 (d, J=2.1 Hz, 1H,ArH), 9.04 (bs, 1H, NH). Calculated Mass: 349.99, [M−H]⁻ 349.0. M.p.:124-126° C.

Synthesis of(S)-3-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenoxy)-N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(Formula XIV). A mixture of bromoamide((2R)-3-bromo-N-[4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide(R-19) 2.0 g, 5.70 mmol)), anhydrous K₂CO₃ (2.4 g, 17.1 mmol) was heatedto reflux for 2 h and then concentrated under reduced pressure to give asolid. The resulting solid was treated with 4-chloro-3-fluorophenol (1.3g, 8.5 mmol) and anhydrous K₂CO₃ (1.6 g, 11.4 mmol) in 50 mL of2-propanol was heated to reflux for 3 h and then concentrated underreduced pressure to give a solid. The residue was treated with 100 mL ofH₂O and then extracted with EtOAc (2×100 mL). The combined EtOAcextracts were washed with 10% NaOH (4×100 mL) and brine, successively.The organic layer was dried over MgSO₄ and then concentrated underreduced pressure to give an oil which was purified by columnchromatography using EtOAc/hexane (50:50) to give a solid which wasrecrystallized from CH₂Cl₂/hexane to give 1.7 g (70.5%) of(S)-3-(4-chloro-3-fluorophenoxy)-N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamideas a colorless solid.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃/TMS) δ 1.60 (s, 3H, CH₃), 3.28 (s, 1H, OH), 3.98 (d,J=9.05 Hz, 1H, CH), 6.64-6.76 (m, 2H, ArH), 7.30 (d, J=8.67 Hz, 1H,ArH), 7.81 (d, J=8.52 Hz, 1H, ArH), 7.96 (q, J=2.07, 8.52 Hz, 1H, ArH),8.10 (d, J=2.07 Hz, 1H, ArH), 9.10 (s, 1H, NH). Calculated Mass: [M−H]⁻414.9. Mp: 132-134° C.

Example 16 Binding and Transactivation of SARMs in Breast Cancer Cells

In order to determine whether compounds of this invention are agonistsin breast cancer cells, HEK-293 or MDA-MB-231 cells were transfectedwith 0.25 μg GRE-LUC, 10 ng CMV-renilla LUC, and 25 ng CMV-hAR usinglipofectamine. Twenty four hours after transfection, the cells weretreated with DHT, compound of Formula VIII or compound of Formula IX andluciferase assay was performed 48 hrs after transfection. Competitivebinding of DHT, compound of Formula VIII and compound of Formula IX weremeasured using an in vitro competitive radioligand binding assay with[17α-methy-³H]-mibolerone ([³H]MIB), a known steroidal and high affinityAR ligand, and purified AR-LBD protein.

Results

DHT, compound of Formula VIII and Formula IX are agonists of AR inbreast cancer cells as presented in FIG. 13A-13C (HEK-293 cells in FIG.13A and MDA-MB-231 cells in FIGS. 13B-13C). The relative bindingaffinities (RBAs) for AR of DHT, Formula IX, Formula VIII, andbicalutamide were 1.0, 0.330, 0.314, and 0.016, respectively,demonstrating high affinity AR binding for the SARM compounds of thisinvention (data not shown).

Example 17 Inhibition of Intratumoral Gene Expression

AR agonists differentially regulate genes in ER-positive and ER-negativebreast cancer cells. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells infected with AR or GFPcontaining adenovirus were maintained in charcoal stripped serumcontaining medium for 3 days and were treated with DHT or Formula VIII.After overnight treatment, the cells were harvested, RNA isolated andreal-time PCR for the indicated genes were performed. The expression ofvarious genes in response to either DHT or Formula VIII were measuredand normalized to GAPDH, and are presented as composite data (sameeffects for DHT and Formula VIII) in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Differential Regulation of Gene Expression by AR Ligands in ER-Positive (MCF7) and ER-Negative (MDA-MB-231) Breast Cancers AR PSA Muc1SLUG VCAM1 SPARC MMP2 MDA-MB — — — — — 231/GFP MDA-MB- ↑ — ↓ ↓ ↓ 231/ARMDA-MB- ↑ — ↓ ↓ ↓ 231/AR cs FBS MCF7/GFP — — no — no MCF7/AR — ↑ no — noMCF7/AR — ↑ no — no cs FBS VCAM1—Vascular cell adhesionprotein-1—Important for anchorage-dependent growth of cells and also isa chemoattractant. SPARC—Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(aka Osteonectin)—extracellular glycoprotein important for angiogenesis.MUC1—Mucin1—Extracellular glycoprotein associated with cancers—Itspromoter has a strong ARE. SLUG—Zinc finger transcription factor—Itspromoter has a strong ARE. MMP2—matrix metalloproteinase-2—gene that isactivated by cell-cell clustering.

Example 18 Gene Expression Array of MDA-MB-231-AR Xenograft

RNA was extracted from MDA-MB-231-AR tumors (n=5/group) treated withvehicle or compound of Formula VIII. RNA was pooled and Affymetrixmicroarray was performed to determine the change in expression of genesignature.

Results

The results presented in FIG. 15 show that activation of AR inMDA-MB-231-AR xenografts suppressed the expression of more genes than itinduced in these tumors. This pattern is unique in breast cancer cellsand is different from gene expression results observed in prostatecancer cells, where more genes are induced than repressed (data notshown).

The results presented in FIG. 16 validate the microarray resultspresented in FIG. 15 by analyzing selected genes using realtime PCRTaqMan primers and probe in ABI 7900.

Example 19 Formula VIII Inhibits the Growth of MCF-7-AR Xenograft

MCF-7 cells stably transfected with AR using lentivirus were implanted(2 million cells/mouse; n=5) in nude mice that were ovariectomized andsupplemented with 170-estradiol (50 μg/day). Once tumors reached 100-200mm³, the animals were randomized and treated with vehicle or 30 mg/kgper day of Formula VIII. Tumor volumes and body weights were measuredthrice weekly. At the end of 5 weeks of treatment, the animals weresacrificed, tumors weighed and stored for RNA and protein isolation andhistology. * significance at P<0.05.

In addition, uterus weights were measured in these xenograft studies,and Western blot from MCF-7 tumor xenografts were probed for AR.

Results

The graph presented in FIG. 17 demonstrates inhibition oftriple-positive breast cancer (ER, PR, and HER2) using Formula VIII. Theresults show that Formula VIII inhibited the growth of MCF-7 breastcancer cell xenografts by greater than 50%.

The results presented in FIG. 18 show Formula VIII inhibited uterusweight in these estrogen supplemented animals.

The results presented in FIG. 19 demonstrate that the AR expressionpattern in response to agonist (Formula VIII) is similar to thatobserved in prostate cancer cells (data not shown).

Example 20 Formula VIII Up-Regulates JNK Phosphorylation in MCF7-ARTumors

Protein from MCF-7-AR tumors that were treated with vehicle or compoundof Formula VIII were extracted and incubated with phospho MAPK array todetermine the effect of compound of Formula VIII on phosphorylation ofvarious kinases.

Results

The results presented in FIG. 21 show that JNK phosphorylation isupregulated in MCF-7-AR tumors by treatment with compound of FormulaVIII. JNK plays a critical role in death receptor-mediated intrinsic andextrinsic apoptotic pathways. JNK activates apoptotic signaling byup-regulating pro-apoptotic genes. The observed phosphorylation of thepro-apoptotic kinase, JNK, may be suggestive of a possible mechanisticexplanation of the anti-proliferation.

Example 21 Gene Expression Analysis of MDA-MB-231-AR and MCF-7-ARXenografts Following Treatment with Formula VIII and Formula IX

Microarray Analysis was performed on RNA from MDA-MB-231-AR and MCF-7-ARtumors in order to identify and compare changes in gene expression inER-negative (MDA-MB-231-AR; triple negative) an ER-positive (MCF-7-AR;triple positive) breast cancer tumors treated with a compound of FormulaVIII (30 mg/kg/day p.o. for 4 weeks). Affymetrix analysis of thexenografts was done on pooled samples of the xenografts. The analysisincluded ˜70,000 sequences with ˜30,000 genes and variations thereofrepresented, as well as microRNA's. RNA was isolated and expression ofgenes was evaluated using microarray (Affymetrix Human Gene ST 2.0array). Expression of genes in compound of Formula VIII-treated sampleswas compared with the expression in vehicle-treated samples. Genes thatwere up- or down- regulated by more than 2 fold were considereddifferentially regulated by compound of Formula VIII.

Results

Table 7 below presents the sum totals of up-regulated and down-regulatedgenes in MDA-MB-231-AR and MCF-7-AR tumors.

TABLE 7 Type Up Down Total MCF-7-AR 566 981 1547 MDA-MB-231-AR 720 8161536

Of particular interest was that of the 1547 regulated genes identifiedin MCF-7-AR tumors and the 1536 regulated genes identified inMDA-MB-231-AR tumors, the subset of overlapping genes was only 245genes. This result indicated that Formula VIII regulated distinct setsof genes in MCF-7-AR (ER-positive; triple positive) and MDA-MB-231-AR(ER-negative; triple negative) breast cancer cells.

Tables 8 and 9 below present genes involved in mammary tumorigenesisthat were differentially regulated (by at least 2 fold) by Formula VIIIin MDA-MB-231-AR tumors (Table 8) and MCF-7-AR tumors (Table 9).Indications of up-regulation or down-regulation are presented in theright-most column.

TABLE 8 Breast cancer relevant genes modulated in MDA-MB-231-AR tumorsFormula Gene Function VIII NQO1 Anti-proliferative, reduces oxidativestress of Increased cells, regulates p53-dependent apoptosis β-Increases proliferation and metastasis of breast Decreased Adreno-cancer, increases inflammation ceptor2 Aurora Increase proliferation ofbreast cancer and aurora Decreased kinase kinase inhibitors areeffective preclinically BUB1 expression correlates with tumor status,node- Decreased S/T and distant-metastasis, and histological grade in BCkinase CENPE Promotes breast cancer growth, small molecule Decreasedinhibitors of CENPE inhibit BC cell growth EHMT2 Up-regulated in varietyof cancers, including breast Decreased ERCC1 Expressed in 70% TNBCs andits expression leads Decreased to resistance to chemotherapy IGFBP3Increases proliferative disease, higher IGFBP3 in Decreased serumcorrelates with higher grade disease ITGA2 Cancer development andmetastasis Decreased PARP1 PARP inhibitors are currently underdevelopment Decreased for breast cancer POLD1 Associated with multiplecancers, including breast Decreased cancer PTPRJ Tumor suppressorIncreased

TABLE 9 Breast cancer relevant genes modulated in MCF-7-AR tumorsFormula Gene Function VIII MTR Increases breast cancer risk DecreasedFACGD2 Inhibition increases the sensitivity to cancer Decreasedtherapeutics TIMP3 Silenced in several aggressive cancers due toIncreased promoter methylation XRCC1 High XRCC1 leads to poor survivalof cancer Decreased patients AHR Increases sensitivity to anti-canceragents, good Increased prognostic marker, agonists are used for cancersCatalase Inversely correlates with breast cancer risk, good Increasedmarker, prevents DNA damage CDT1 Promotes replication, increases cancerincidence Decreased ER-α Promotes breast cancer proliferation DecreasedEHMT1 Tumor suppressor complex protein Increased ERCC2 Promotes breastcancer and other cancers through Decreased DNA damage IRS1 Highlyexpressed in breast cancer, over- Decreased expression in mice increasesbreast cancer incidence KLK3 KLK3 (PSA) increase is highly correlativeof Increased positive breast cancer outcome; good prognostic marker PRIncreases proliferation of breast cancer Decreased PON2 Anti-oxidativeproperties; cells over-expressing Increased PON2 have reduced oxidativestress; anti-cancer NPAS2 Tumor suppressor gene Increased

The results presented in Tables 7 and 8 show that SARM treatment(Formula VIII) caused net down-regulation of genes in MDA-MB-231-ARtumors (N=1042 suppressed; N=640 induced; threshold of 2-2.5-foldincrease or decrease (note: plot is log of fold change; follow-up RT-PCRdemonstrated 10-20-fold changes). Well known androgen-dependent genes(e.g., FKP5 and MUC1; See Table 10 below) were elevated, showing SARMpenetration into the tumor. Also 29/36 known breast cancer-related geneswere shown to be decreased, supporting a rational basis for theanti-proliferation activity of Formula VIII in ER-negative breastcancer.

Further analysis of the results in MDA-MB-231-AR tumors showed thatFormula VIII induced known androgen-responsive genes (Table 10 below).Thus, breast cancer relevant genes such as beta2-adrenergic receptor andPARP1 were suppressed by Formula VIII; whereas ARE-dependent genes wereinduced by treatment of Formula VIII.

TABLE 10 Gene Fold Function TFPi2 4.76 Tumor suppressor, proteaseinhibitor family F3 6.94 Coagulation factor Carboxipeptidase 3.25Androgen responsive gene SNAI2/SLUG 2.10 Androgen responsive gene ASAM3.27 DUSP1 4.14 Inactivates MAPK, androgen responsive gene Col12a1 5.93Amphiregulin 4.47 Regulated by androgens and estrogens Protein S 3.69Regulated by estrogen (down) and progestin (up) PDLIM1 2.06 PR regulatedgene FBXO32 6.62 Very interesting gene. Androgens inhibit in muscle,Promotes muscle atrophy, ubiquitin, Mixed functions in cancer RASD118.62 GC-stimulated gene, Down-regulated in GC- resistant melanoma IRS24.40 FKBP51 ∞ Androgen and GC stimulated gene MUC1 9 Androgen andestrogen stimulated gene DUSP23 7.35 Androgen stimulated PTGS2 14Androgen stimulated RHOB 7.92 Androgen regulated

The results presented in Tables 7 and 9 show that Formula VIII did nothave as strong of agene suppressive tone in MCF-7-AR triple positive(ER-positive) tumors as in triple negative (ER-negative) tumors.Interestingly though, the MCF-7-AR analysis showed thatandrogen-dependent genes were up regulated and estrogen-dependent geneswere suppressed (Table 11 below), as validated by RT-PCR.

TABLE 11 Androgen Target Estrogen Target KLK3 (PSA) PR SNAI2 ER MUC1IGFBP4 IRS2 pS2 FKBP5 DUSP23 miR21

The results presented in FIG. 20 validate the microarray resultspresented in the above analyses, by analyzing selected genes usingrealtime PCR TaqMan primers and probe in ABI 7900.

The results presented in FIG. 22 show inhibition of triple negativebreast cancer growth using Formulae VIII and IX. Formula VIII andFormula IX demonstrated ˜85% TGI at all doses tried (5, 10 mg per kg forFormula VIII; 5, 10, 30 mg per kg for Formula IX) in the triple negativebreast cancer model using MDA-MB-231-AR cells in nude mice.

The results presented in FIG. 23 demonstrate inhibition of triplenegative breast cancer using Formulae VIII and IX. Tumor weights werelikewise reduced for all doses of Formula VIII and Formula IX. Spleenenlargement (680 mg vs. 200-300 mg for normal mice) was seen only invehicle treated mice, possibly indicative of prevention by the SARMs oftumor metastasis to the spleen.

The in vitro data shown in MCF-7 cells with and without AR (FIGS.25A-25E) support that SARM-activated AR may sequester the co-factorsthat are used by ER. Adding AR to the MCF-7 cells increased the effectof 17β-estradiol (when unopposed) on the ER target genes PR and pS2, butthe antagonism caused by SARM alone or SARM+17β-estradiol (E2) wasenhanced in this setting (FIGS. 25B and 25D) as compared to GFP (i.e. noAR; FIGS. 25A and 25C). FIG. 25E shows that AR target genes are enhancedby SARM even in the presence of 17β-estradiol.

Example 22 Xenograft Experiment with Formula IX

Xenograft experiment. NSG mice obtained from JAX labs were housed withfive animals per cage and were allowed free access to tap water andcommercial rat chow (Harlan Teklad 22/5 rodent diet—8640). During thecourse of the study, the animals were maintained on a 12 hr light:darkcycle. Animals were anesthetized and BR-0001 TNBC fragments of 1 mm³(approximately) were implanted subcutaneously in NSG mice. Once thetumor size reached 100-200 mm³, the animals were randomized and treatedwith vehicle control (polyethylene glycol:DMSO 9:1 ratio) or 10mg/kg/day Formula IX (n=12) or enzalutamide orally. Tumor volume wasmeasured thrice weekly. Tumor volume was calculated using the formulalength×width×width×0.5236. Once tumors reached greater than 1500-2000mm³, animals were sacrificed and tumors weighted and stored for variousanalysis. Two regions of the same BR-0001 tumor, an AR-positive TNBCxenograft, were immunohistochemically stained with AR antibody (AR N20from SCBT) (FIGS. 26A and 26B) and compared to an AR-negative (FIG. 26C)TNBC as a negative control. FIGS. 26A and 26B show that AR expression isconsistent throughout this formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE)tissue, whereas similar FFPE in AR-negative TNBC demonstrated nostaining (no AR expression). The tumor xenograft efficacy experimentalresults are provided in 27A-27C, with FIGS. 27A and 27B being replicateexperiments. Formula IX (lower trace) produced some tumor growthinhibition of this AR-positive TNBC tumor in each experiment whereasenzalutamide was indistinguishable from vehicle treatment (FIGS. 26A and26B). Formula IX reduced tumor weight in experiment 2 by ˜40%.

Example 23 Ki-67 Staining was Reduced in AR-Positive TNBC Tumors ofAnimals Treated with Formula IX

FIGS. 28A-28B demonstrated an approximately 50% reduction in Ki-67staining in 2 weeks of treatment. Tumors from replicate experiment 2(FIG. 27B) were fixed in formalin and paraffin embedded. Slides were cutand stained with Ki-67 antibody. Ki-67 positive cells (total 200 cellswere counted in each slide) in each slide were counted and representedas % stained cells, as shown in FIG. 28B. Ki-67 staining was reduced intumors of the animals treated with Formula IX.

Example 24 Gene Expression Study and ChIP-Seq Study in AR-Positive TNBCTumor Xenografts Methods

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay (ChIP). Proteins were cross-linkedby incubation with 1% formaldehyde (final concentration) at 37° C. for10 min. Tumors were homogenized using a probe hand-held homogenizer. Thecells were washed with 1×PBS twice, scraped in 1 mL of PBS containingprotease inhibitors ([1 mg each of aprotinin, leupeptin, antipain,benzamidine HCl, and pepstatin/ml], 0.2 mM phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, and 1 mM sodium vanadate), pelleted, and resuspended in SDSlysis buffer (1% SDS, 10 mM EDTA, 50 mM Tris-HCl [pH 8.1]).

After lysis on ice for 10 min, the cell extract was sonicated (Bransonsonifier 250) in a cold room eight times for 10 s each at constant dutycycle, with an output of 3 and with incubation on ice after everysonication. The debris was pelleted at 13,000 rpm for 10 min at 4° C.,and the supernatant was diluted 10-fold with ChIP dilution buffer (0.01%SDS, 1.1% Triton X-100, 1.2 mM EDTA, 16.7 mM Tris HCl [pH 8.1], 167 mMNaCl). The proteins were precleared with 50 μL of 1:1 proteinA-Sepharose beads in TE. An aliquot (300 μL) was reserved as input,while the remaining solution was incubated with 5 μg of AR antibody (ARN20 SCBT) and 2 μg of sheared salmon sperm DNA (Stratagene, La Jolla,Calif.) rotating overnight at 4° C.

The protein-DNA-antibody complex was precipitated by incubating with 100μL of 1:1 protein A-Sepharose beads and 2 μg of salmon sperm DNA at 4°C. for 2 h. The beads were pelleted and washed three times with low-saltwash buffer (0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate [SDS], 1% Triton X-100, 2 mMEDTA, 20 mM Tris HCl [pH 8.1], 0.15 M NaCl), and twice with 1×TE (10 mMTris HCl, 1 mM EDTA; pH 8.0). DNA-protein complexes were obtained byextracting the beads with 50 μL of freshly prepared extraction buffer(1% SDS, 0.1 M NaHCO₃) three times. Cross-linking of the DNA proteincomplexes was reversed by incubating at 65° C. for 6 h. The DNA wasextracted with a QIAquick PCR purification kit (QIAGEN, Valencia,Calif.) in 25 μL final volume of TE. The purified DNA was given toUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center Molecular Resource Center(UTHSC MRC) for next generation sequencing using ion proton sequencer.

RNA Analysis and microarray. Tumors were homogenized, RNA isolated,purified and submitted to the UTHSC MRC core facility for microarrayanalysis (ST2.0 array from Affymetrix).

Results

In the gene expression study described above, RNA was isolated from theBR-0001 TNBC tumors and the expression of genes in the entire genome wasmeasured by microarray (Affymetrix, ST2.0 array). In the ChIP-Seq study,chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed in untreated BR-0001specimen and the DNA immunoprecipitated with AR antibody was sequencedusing ion torrent next-generation sequencer. It was shown that ˜20% ofAR-occupied promoters (−5 kb to +1 kb) were activated by androgen (mRNAincreased by >1.5 fold) (data not shown). Androgen treatment primarilyaffected cell cycle and metabolic process according to gene setenrichment analysis (GSEA) (FIG. 31). Expression of TNBC subtype markersin FIGS. 30A and 30B show that in the SARM-treated tumors, gene markersfor LAR and MSL subtypes are highly expressed.

Gene expression data was compared to PAM50 to determine the tumor typethat BR-0001 belonged to. The expression (Z-score) of 50 genes requiredto classify the breast cancer is given in FIG. 29, in which PAM50indicated that the tumor belonged to basal-like breast cancer (BLBC)TNBC.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous breast cancergroup, and identification of its subtypes is essential for understandingthe biological characteristics and clinical behaviors of TNBC as well asfor developing personalized treatments. Based on 3,247 gene expressionprofiles from 21 breast cancer data sets, six TNBC subtypes, including 2basal-like (BL1 and BL2), an immunomodulatory (IM), a mesenchymal (M), amesenchymal stem-like (MSL), and a luminal androgen receptor (LAR)subtype from 587 TNBC samples with unique gene expression patterns andontologies, were discovered (Brian D. Lehman et al., J. Clin. Invest.2011, 121(7), 2750-2767). Cell line models representing each of the TNBCsubtypes also displayed different sensitivities to targeted therapeuticagents. Gene expression data was compared to the genes published(Pietenpol group) to classify the BLBC into sub-classification. FIGS.30A-30B depict that Pietenpol classification of TNBC suggests that theBR-0001 tumor is LAR and MSL subtypes.

Example 25 Gene Expression Changes in AR-Positive TNBC Xenograft Tumors

FIG. 31 demonstrates that in BR-0001 tumors Formula IX up-regulated geneexpression. Approximately 4200 genes were up-regulated by Formula IXcompared to vehicle, while approximately 1170 genes were down-regulatedby Formula IX compared to vehicle. Formula IX recruited AR to 176promoters (−5 kb to +1 kb). 20% of the promoters occupied by the AR inresponse to Formula IX also had the gene up-regulated by Formula IX.This showed that these genes were direct targets of the AR rather thanan indirect effect. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis(http://www.ingenuity.com/; QIAGEN, Redwood City, Calif.) suggests thatgenes involved in cell cycle were altered by Formula IX.

Example 26 The Efficacy and Safety of Formula IX on Metastatic orLocally Advanced ER+/AR+ Breast Cancer (BC) in Postmenopausal Women

Study design: This is an open label, multicenter, multinational,randomized, parallel design Phase 2 study, and is to assess the efficacyand safety of Formula IX in postmenopausal subjects with ER+/AR+ BC.Subjects will be randomized to receive either Formula IX 9 mg or 18 mggiven PO daily for up to 24 months. Each dose arm will be treatedindependently and each assessed for efficacy using Simon's two-stage(optimal) design (Simon R. Optimal two-stage designs for Phase 2clinical trials. Controlled Clinical Trials 1989; 10: 1-10). Subjectswill be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to one of the two dose arms.

Randomization will be stratified by subjects presenting with bone onlymetastases and all other subjects, and further by setting of immediatelypreceding therapy (adjuvant setting or metastatic setting) in order tobalance the proportion of subjects with these presenting features ineach dose arm. There is no intent to statistically compare the two dosearms, but to determine whether either or both doses result in anacceptable clinical benefit response (CBR), defined as the proportion ofevaluable subjects (i.e., subjects with centrally confirmed AR+ and whoreceive at least one dose of study drug) with either CR, PR, or SD byRECIST 1.1 at week 24, consistent with 30% while maintaining anacceptable safety profile. Given such a result, future exploration ofFormula IX in ER+/AR+ BC would be warranted at that dose level.

Thirty-six to eighty-eight (36-88) subjects with centrally confirmed AR+who receive at least one dose of study drug (evaluable subjects) will beneeded for primary efficacy analysis purposes and will be a subset ofthe full analysis set (FAS). Thirty-six to one hundred and eighteen(36-118) subjects, including replacement subjects, will be randomized ina 1:1 fashion to receive a daily PO dose of either Formula IX 9 mg or 18mg. Thirty of the aforementioned subjects may be considered replacementsubjects to account for lack of centrally confirmed AR+ status or forthe rare subject who is randomized but does not receive study drug(assumes 25% of enrolled subjects are not evaluable for the primaryefficacy analysis). Other statistical parameters that are part of thesample size calculation are α=0.025 (one-sided) and power=90%. The firststage in each study arm will be assessed among the first 18 evaluablesubjects. If at least 3/18 subjects achieve CB (defined as CR, PR, orSD) at week 24, the arm will proceed to the second stage of recruitmentup to a total of 44 evaluable subjects per arm. Otherwise, the arm willbe discontinued for lack of efficacy. Statistical significance, i.e.,rejection of the null hypothesis of an unacceptably low CBR of ≤10% infavor of the alternative hypothesis that indicates the higher rate,≥30%, is more likely, will be declared if at least 9/44 subjects achieveCB at week 24 in that arm.

Subjects who are not centrally confirmed AR+ may remain on the trial,but will not be part of the primary efficacy analysis—these subjectswill contribute to secondary and tertiary analyses.

Subjects on the 18 mg treatment arm who experience an adverse event (AE)with Grade ≥3 intensity (National Cancer Institute-Common TerminologyCriteria for Adverse Events [NCI-CTCAE], Version 4.0) and/or intolerancemay have a dose reduction from 18 mg to 9 mg per day or a druginterruption based on the medical judgment of the Investigator and afterconfirmation by the study Medical Monitor. The drug interruption maylast for a period of up to 5 days after which the subject must berechallenged with study drug (18 mg or 9 mg) or discontinued from thestudy. In the case of a dose reduction, once the AE has resolved orreduced in intensity to Grade 1, the subject may be rechallenged with 18mg or maintained at 9 mg at the discretion of the Investigator.

Subjects on the 9 mg treatment arm who experience an AE with Grade ≥3intensity (NCI-CTCAE 4.0) and/or intolerance may have a druginterruption based on the medical judgment of the Investigator and afterconfirmation by the study Medical Monitor. The drug interruption maylast for a period of up to 5 days after which the subject must berechallenged with study drug (9 mg) or discontinued from the study.

For safety analysis, subjects will be analyzed in the treatment arm inwhich they are initially dosed. For efficacy analysis, subjects will beanalyzed according to the treatment arm to which they were randomized.

The subjects who demonstrate CB will be treated for up to 24 months fromthe date of randomization (as long as they continue to demonstrate CBfrom the treatment during these 24 months). Subjects who continue todemonstrate a CB from the study treatment at 24 months will be offeredto continue in a safety extension study under a separate protocol. Forsafety purposes, all subjects will be followed-up for one month afterthe last dose of Formula IX is received.

For safety purposes, all subjects will be followed-up for one monthafter the last dose of Formula IX is received.

Target Population: Adult postmenopausal women with metastatic orrecurrent locally advanced ER+/AR+ BC.

Study Duration: The study duration is estimated at 3 years.

Description of Agent or Intervention: Three (3) Formula IX 3.0 mgsoftgels for a 9 mg daily dose or six (6) Formula IX 3.0 mg softgels foran 18 mg daily dose will be taken PO with water at approximately thesame time each day, with or without food.

Potential Benefits: Based on the trial of Example 9, Formula IX 9 mgonce daily has been studied in 22 postmenopausal women with metastaticER+ BC who have previously responded to hormonal therapy. The primaryendpoint was assessed in 17 AR-positive subjects. Six of these 17subjects demonstrated CB (SD) at six months. In one subject with SD(RECIST 1.1), tumor regression of 27% in a single target lesion wasdemonstrated. Seven subjects in total (one subject with indeterminate ARstatus) achieved CB at six months. Among the seven subjects who achievedCB at six months, time to progression (TTP) was estimated as 10.2months. The results also demonstrated that, after a median duration onstudy of 81 days, 41 percent of all subjects ( 9/22) achieved CB as bestresponse and also had increased PSA, which appears to be an indicator ofAR activity. As of the finalization of this protocol, the study is stillongoing with one subject whose disease remains stable beyond 336 days.

Preclinical data with Formula IX suggests that it is also anabolic inbone and decreases bone turn over markers. Treatment with Formula IX maydecrease bone turn over as compared with other hormonal therapies forthe treatment of hormone receptor positive BC. Stronger bonemicroenvironment may decrease metastases to bone or delay time toskeletal related events.

Efficacy Objectives

The primary efficacy objective of this trial is to estimate the CBR at24 weeks (defined as complete response [CR], partial response [PR], orSD) (by RECIST 1.1) of Formula IX 9 mg and of Formula IX 18 mg given POdaily in subjects with estrogen receptor positive and androgen receptorpositive (ER+/AR+) BC who have centrally confirmed AR+ status.

The secondary efficacy objectives are to estimate the CBR at 24 weeks(by RECIST 1.1) of Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg in all subjects randomizedwho receive at least one dose of study medication (the full analysis set[FAS]) regardless of AR status as determined by the central laboratory.

The additional secondary efficacy objectives apply to both centrallyconfirmed AR+ subjects (the evaluable subset of the FAS) as well as toall subjects in the FAS: (a) Estimate the objective response rate (ORR;defined as CR or PR) (by RECIST 1.1) of Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg at 24weeks; (b) Estimate the best overall response rate (BOR) of Formula IX 9mg and 18 mg; (c) Estimate the progression free survival (PFS) ofsubjects receiving Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg; (d) Estimate the TTP ofsubjects receiving Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg; and (e) Estimate durationof response (time from documentation of tumor response to diseaseprogression or death) of subjects receiving Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg.

The tertiary objectives apply to both centrally confirmed AR+ subjects(the evaluable subset of the FAS) as well as to all subjects in the FAS(a) Assess the effect of Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg on serum PSA; (b)Assess the effect of Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg on Quality of Life (QoL)as measured by EQ-5D-5L; (c) Assess the effect of Formula IX 9 mg and 18mg on circulating tumor cells (CTCs); (d) Assess the impact of durationof prior CB on outcome; (e) Assess the impact of time from diagnosis ofmetastases to randomization on outcome; (f) Describe the effect ofFormula IX 9 mg and 18 mg on tumor volumetrics; (g) Assess the effect ofplasma concentrations of Formula IX and Formula IX glucuronide on CBR at24 weeks.

The safety objective is to describe the safety profile of Formula IX 9mg and 18 mg PO daily in subjects with ER+/AR+ BC with centrallyconfirmed AR+ as well as in all subjects randomized and treated.

The pharmacokinetic objective: To describe the plasma concentrations ofFormula IX and Formula IX glucuronide at each of the assessed timepoints.

Formulation, Packaging, and Labelling: Formula IX 3.0 mg Softgels willbe supplied as opaque, white to off-white, size 5, oval Softgel capsulescontaining 3.0 mg of Formula IX. The liquid Softgel fill is composed ofFormula IX dissolved in polyethylene glycol 400. Formula IX 3.0 mgSoftgels will be packaged in blister packs. Each blister pack willcontain sufficient study drug for one (1) week of dosing. Atrandomization (Visit 2) and at Visits 3, 4, and 5), subjects will beprovided with a carton of study drug containing 7 blister packs,equivalent to 7 weeks of dosing. At Visits 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13,in order to accommodate the visit schedule of every 12 weeks (±7 days),the subjects will receive two carton boxes of study drug (eachcontaining 7 blisters) to cover study treatment for 14 weeks. Subjectswill be requested to bring with them the carton box with all blisterpacks at every visit.

Each blister pack will be comprised of an appropriate number of blisterstrips (1 blister for the 9 mg treatment arm and 2 blisters for the 18mg treatment arm) encased in a child-resistant heat-sealed card. Theblister strips are composed of a PVC/ACLAR base and an aluminumfoil/PVC/PVAC copolymer and polymethacrylate (product contact) lidding.Perforations on the back of the heat-seal card overlay the foil lidding.To remove the study drug, subjects will release the appropriateperforation by depressing a release button on the inside of the card.Once released, the perforation can be removed and the study drug pushedthrough the foil.

Pharmacokinetic Assessment:

Blood samples for pharmacokinetic assessment will be collected atbaseline (pre-dose), Visit 3 (week 6), Visit 5 (week 18), and Visit 6(week 24). One blood sample will be collected in a 6 mLK₂-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood collection tube on eachof these days. The exact time (hh:mm) and date that each blood sample iscollected will be recorded on the electronic Case Repot Form. At thebaseline visit, the blood sample should be collected before the subjectis given their first dose of Formula IX. At Visits 3 (week 6), 5 (week18), and 6 (week 24), the date and approximate time of the last dose ofFormula IX prior to the blood sample should be recorded; i.e., it shouldbe documented whether the subject took the previous dose that morning orthe evening before. Immediately after collection, the tubes will begently inverted several times to mix the anticoagulant with the bloodsample.

Blood samples will be kept on wet ice (ice packs in a water bath is alsoacceptable) for up to 20 minutes until processed. The plasma fractionwill be separated by placing the collection tube into a centrifuge for10 minutes at 1,500×g. The plasma fraction will be withdrawn by pipetteand divided into two 2 mL polypropylene transfer vials (with each tubereceiving approximately equal aliquots).

All sample collection and freezing tubes will be clearly labeled in afashion which identifies the subject, the study number, the visitnumber, and freezing tube aliquot letter. Labels will be fixed tofreezing tubes in a manner that will prevent the label from becomingdetached after freezing. Samples will be stored in a freezer at −20° C.or lower. Samples will be shipped in a thermal insulated container withsufficient dry ice to assure they remain frozen.

Any remaining plasma samples after completion of the protocol outlinedpharmacokinetic analysis may be used to identify and quantify themetabolites of Formula IX.

Example 27 The Efficacy and Safety of Formula IX on Advanced, AndrogenReceptor-Positive Triple Negative Breast Cancer (AR+ TNBC)

Ongoing and Completed Clinical Trials with Formula IX: Twenty-one Phase1, 2, and 3 clinical trials have been completed or are ongoing withFormula IX. These include: 1. Protocol G100401, a Phase 1 singleascending dose study in 96 healthy, young, male volunteers; 2. ProtocolG100402, a Phase 1 multiple ascending dose study in 50 healthy, young,male volunteers, and 23 elderly male volunteers with truncal obesity; 3.Protocol G100503, a Phase 1 single dose pharmacokinetic study to assessthe effect of a dosage regimen that simulates a sustained releaseformulation to an immediate release formulation in 18 healthy, youngmale volunteers and 18 postmenopausal women; 4. Protocol G100506, aPhase 1 single dose pharmacokinetic study to assess the relativebioavailability of a 3 mg hard shell capsule formulation to be usedduring continued clinical development and to assess the effect of foodon the pharmacokinetics of the 3 mg softgel formulation in 27 healthy,young, male volunteers; 5. Protocol 006, a Phase 1 single dose andmultiple dose pharmacokinetic study in 24 postmenopausal, Japanesewomen; 6. Protocol G200501, a Phase 2 study in 60 postmenopausal womenand 60 elderly men to assess lean body mass and physical function; 7.Protocol 003, a Phase 1b study in 44 postmenopausal women; 8. ProtocolG200502, a Phase 2b study in 159 men and postmenopausal women withcancer to assess lean body mass and physical function; 9. ProtocolG100511, a Phase 1 study to assess the effect of severe renal impairmenton the pharmacokinetics of Formula IX; 10. Protocol G100508, a Phase 1study to assess the effect of mild and moderate hepatic impairment onthe pharmacokinetics of Formula IX; 11. Protocol G100509, a Phase 1 massbalance study of Formula IX in healthy volunteers; 12. Protocol G100507,a Phase 1 study to assess the pharmacokinetics and absolute oralbioavailability of Formula IX in Caucasian and African American men andwomen; 13. Protocol G100510, a single-dose, randomized, double-blind,comparative, positive and placebo-controlled, four-period crossoverPhase 1 study to define the electrocardiogram (ECG) effects of FormulaIX, at therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses, in healthy male andfemale subjects: a thorough ECG trial; 14. Protocol G100512, a Phase 1study to assess the effect of ketoconazole (Cytochrome P450, Family 3,Subfamily A [CYP3A4] inhibitor) on the pharmacokinetics of Formula IX;15. Protocol G100513, a Phase 1 study to assess the effect of rifampin(CYP3A4 inducer) on the pharmacokinetics of Formula IX; 16. ProtocolG100514, a Phase 1 study to assess the pharmacokinetic drug:druginteraction of Formula IX and celecoxib (CYP2C9); 17. Protocol G100515,a Phase 1 study to assess the pharmacokinetic drug:drug interaction ofFormula IX and probenecid (UGT2B7); 18. Protocol G100516, a Phase 1study to assess the pharmacokinetic drug:drug interaction of Formula IXand rosuvastatin (breast cancer resistance protein [BCRP]); 19. ProtocolG300504, a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study ofthe effect of Formula IX on muscle wasting in 321 subjects withnon-small cell lung cancer receiving first line platinum plus a taxanechemotherapy; 20. Protocol G300505, a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled study of the effect of Formula IX on muscle wastingin 320 subjects with non-small cell lung cancer receiving first lineplatinum plus a non-taxane chemotherapy; 21. Protocol G200801, anongoing, Phase 2, open label study to examine AR status and the activityof Formula IX hormonal therapy in 22 women with ER-positive metastaticbreast cancer who have previously responded to hormone therapy.

The 18 mg dose: Formula IX has been evaluated in 21 completed andongoing clinical studies enrolling over 1,500 total subjects. Formula IXhas been generally well-tolerated, including single doses up to 100 mgand multiple doses up to 30 mg once daily for up to 14 days. In longerstudies, Formula IX has also been generally well tolerated, including 1,3, and 9 mg daily doses for up to 184 days.

Previous clinical studies demonstrated that daily doses up to 30 mg ofFormula IX were well tolerated in healthy male volunteers. Both 10 mgand 30 mg daily doses were evaluated in Protocol G100402 for up to 14days. Elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) (any elevation outside upperlimit of normal [ULN]) was the most common adverse event (AE)experienced. None of the subjects in the 10 mg dose group werediscontinued from the study due to ALT elevations. In the 30 mg dosegroup, six subjects experienced ALT increases above two times the ULN.

Formula IX 3 mg given daily was evaluated in two completed Phase 3trials, in over 600 subjects, for the prevention and treatment of musclewasting (cachexia) in subjects with advanced non-small cell lung cancerreceiving chemotherapy. Formula IX 3 mg increased lean body mass in bothstudies and was safe and well tolerated when dosed for up to 168 days.Subjects in the Formula IX and placebo groups experienced similar AEsand these AEs were consistent with the background chemotherapy regimen.

Although Formula IX 3 mg was chosen for its anabolic activity in musclefor the completed Phase 3 program, a dose of 9 mg once daily wasselected for hormonal therapy in the ongoing Phase 2 trial in ER+ andAR+ metastatic breast cancer in order to achieve a higher exposure thatis both safe and more likely to be efficacious in women with advancedbreast cancer. Seven out of twenty-two subjects with advanced, heavilypretreated (hormonal therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy) breast cancerdemonstrated clinical benefit (CB) (stable disease [SD]) at 6 months. Inone subject with SD (by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors[RECIST], Version 1.12), tumor regression of 27% was demonstrated.Consistent with the previous studies, Formula IX remained safe and welltolerated (see Example 9).

Reductions in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) have been identifiedas one of the most sensitive serum biomarkers for AR signaling inhealthy volunteers and patients. SHBG was reduced by 15.1%, 15.6%,18.2%, and 18.4% in young, healthy volunteers who received PO Formula IX1 mg, 3 mg, 10 mg, and 30 mg daily for 14 days, respectively, inProtocol G100402 (listed as trial #2 above), suggesting that doses of 10mg and above maximally stimulate AR activity.

Dosing Formula IX at 15-20 mg per day may provide therapeutic benefit inhormone receptor positive breast cancer by two separate mechanisms:activating AR and inhibiting progesterone receptor, thereby increasingpotential efficacy. Progesterone receptor expression in cancer stemcells has been shown to be involved in proliferation of cancerepithelial cells, and inhibiting progesterone receptor's activity is nowconsidered a novel approach to treating breast cancer. Hence, Formula IXat higher doses might provide dual anti-proliferative effects in breastcancer. In TNBC, doses of 15-20 mg per day should provide saturation ofthe AR potentially providing better efficacy as opposed to a lower dosewith partial occupancy of the AR and absence of any progesteronereceptor inhibitory effect.

Based on the safety data collected to date in both preclinical andclinical settings, the 18 mg dose is expected to be safe and generallywell tolerated. However, in the event that a subject has a Grade 3 orgreater toxicity, the 18 mg dose may be reduced to 9 mg until the AEresolves or for the remainder of treatment based on the Investigator'sdiscretion. The 9 mg dose has been previously studied in postmenopausalwomen with metastatic breast cancer and was safe and well tolerated.

In TNBC patients, the 18 mg dose is preferred over a lower dose due tothe aggressive phenotype of the disease and poor prognosis. Based onpreclinical data, the 18 mg dose is more likely to saturate the AR andmay lead to better clinical outcomes than a lower dose without receptorsaturation or progesterone receptor inhibition.

The 18 mg dose may provide greater efficacy in TNBC without compromisingsubject safety. However, in the event that a subject has a Grade 3 orgreater toxicity, the 18 mg dose may be reduced to 9 mg until the AEresolves or for the remainder of treatment based on the Investigator'sdiscretion. The 9 mg dose has been previously studied in postmenopausalwomen with metastatic breast cancer and was safe and well tolerated.

In TNBC patients, the 18 mg dose is preferred over a lower dose due tothe aggressive phenotype of the disease and poor prognosis. Based onpreclinical data, the 18 mg dose is more likely to saturate the AR andmay lead to better clinical outcomes than a lower dose without receptorsaturation or progesterone receptor inhibition. 18 mg dose may providegreater efficacy in TNBC without compromising subject safety.

Study design: This is an open label, multicenter, multinational, Phase 2study to assess the efficacy and safety of Formula IX in female subjectswith androgen receptor-positive, triple negative breast cancer (AR+TNBC). Subjects will be administered Formula IX, 18 mg orally (PO) dailyfor up to 12 months. Simon's two-stage (optimal) design will be used toassess primary efficacy and will require up to 41 evaluable subjects;i.e., subjects with centrally confirmed AR+ who receive at least onedose of study drug. In order to obtain these numbers of evaluablesubjects, 21 to 55 subjects, including over-enrollees (see below), willbe enrolled to receive a daily PO dose of Formula IX 18 mg. Fourteen ofthe aforementioned subjects may be over-enrollees to allow forreplacement of subjects to account for lack of centrally confirmed AR+status, or for the rare subject who is enrolled but does not receivestudy drug. The trial will test for an unacceptably low clinical benefitrate (CBR) of <5% versus a CBR more consistent with >20%. The firststage will be assessed among the first 21 evaluable subjects. If atleast 2/21 subjects achieve clinical benefit (CB) (defined as completeresponse [CR], partial response [PR], or stable disease [SD], perResponse Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST], Version 1.12) atweek 16, then the trial will proceed to the second stage of recruitmentof up to a total of 41 subjects in the evaluable subset of the FullAnalysis Set (FAS). Otherwise, the trial will be discontinued for lackof efficacy.

Subjects who are not confirmed AR+ may remain on the trial, but will notbe part of the primary efficacy analysis—these subjects will contributeto secondary and tertiary analyses. Subjects who experience an adverseevent (AE) with Grade ≥3 intensity (National Cancer Institute CommonTerminology Criteria for Adverse Events [NCI-CTCAE], Version 4.0) and/orintolerance may have a dose reduction from 18 mg to 9 mg per day or adrug interruption based on the medical judgment of the Investigator andafter confirmation by the study Medical Monitor. The subjects whodemonstrate clinical benefit (CB) will be treated for up to 12 monthsfrom the date of the first dose of study treatment (as long as theycontinue to demonstrate CB from the treatment during these 12 months).Subjects who continue to demonstrate a beneficial response from thestudy treatment at 12 months will be offered to continue in a safetyextension study under a separate protocol. All subjects will befollowed-up for one month after the last dose of Formula IX is received,for safety purposes.

Primary efficacy objective of this trial is to estimate the clinicalbeneficial rate (CBR) at 16 weeks (defined as complete response (CR),partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD)) (by RECIST 1.1) ofFormula IX 18 mg given orally (PO) daily in subjects with TNBC andcentrally confirmed AR+ status.

Secondary efficacy objectives: Estimate the CBR at 16 weeks of FormulaIX 18 mg in all subjects enrolled who receive at least one dose of studymedication (i.e., the full analysis set (FAS)) regardless of AR statusas determined by the central laboratory.

The following secondary efficacy objectives apply to both centrallyconfirmed AR+ subjects (the evaluable subset of the FAS) as well as toall subjects in the FAS:

-   -   Estimate the objective response rate (ORR; defined as CR or PR)        (by RECIST 1.1) of Formula IX 18 mg at 16 weeks.    -   Estimate the CBR of Formula IX 18 mg at 24 weeks.    -   Estimate the ORR (defined as CR or PR) of Formula IX 18 mg at 24        weeks.    -   Estimate the best overall response rate (BOR) of Formula IX 18        mg.    -   Estimate the progression free survival (PFS) of subjects        receiving Formula IX 18 mg.    -   Estimate the time-to-progression (TTP) of subjects receiving        Formula IX 18 mg.    -   Estimate duration of response (time from documentation of tumor        response to disease progression or death) of subjects receiving        Formula IX 18 mg.

Tertiary objectives: The following tertiary efficacy objectives apply toboth centrally confirmed AR+ subjects (the evaluable subset of the FAS)as well as to all subjects in the FAS:

-   -   Assess the effect of Formula IX 18 mg on serum prostate specific        antigen (PSA).    -   Assess the effect of Formula IX 18 mg on Quality of Life (QoL)        as measured by EQ-5D-5L.    -   Assess the effect of Formula IX 18 mg on circulating tumor cells        (CTCs).    -   Assess the impact of duration of prior CB on outcome.    -   Assess the impact of time from diagnosis of metastases to study        enrollment on outcome.    -   Describe the effect of Formula IX 18 mg on tumor volumetrics.    -   Assess the effect of plasma concentrations of Formula IX and        Formula IX glucuronide on CBR at 16 and 24 weeks.

Safety objective: To describe the safety profile of Formula IX 18 mg POdaily in subjects with TNBC and centrally confirmed AR+ as well as inall subjects enrolled and treated.

Pharmacokinetic objective: To describe the plasma concentrations ofFormula IX and Formula IX glucuronide at each of the assessed timepoints.

Target population: Adult women with advanced TNBC with centrallyconfirmed AR+.

Subject Inclusion Criteria: Subjects eligible for inclusion in thisstudy must meet all of the following criteria:

-   -   Able and willing to give voluntary, written and signed, informed        consent;    -   Women ≥18 years of age;    -   Women with TNBC who have received at least one but no more than        two prior chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of advanced or        metastatic TNBC;    -   Confirmation of AR+ (defined as >10% nuclear AR staining by        immunohistochemistry [IHC]) TNBC in either the primary or        metastatic lesion, assessed during the screening period by a        local laboratory or by medical history;    -   TNBC confirmed by medical history as: human epidermal growth        factor receptor 2 [HER2]-negative (confirmed by IHC 0, 1+        regardless of fluorescence in situ hybridization [FISH] ratio;        IHC 2+ with FISH ratio lower than 2.0 or HER2 gene copy less        than 6.0; FISH ratio of 0, indicating gene deletion, when        positive and negative in situ hybridization [ISH] controls are        present); estrogen receptor (ER) negative (confirmed as ER        expression less than or equal to 1% positive tumor nuclei);        progesterone receptor-negative (confirmed as progesterone        receptor expression less than or equal to 1% positive tumor        nuclei);    -   Availability of paraffin embedded or formalin fixed tumor        tissue; OR, a minimum of 10 and up to 20 slides of archived        tumor tissue for central laboratory confirmation of AR status        and molecular subtyping. Metastatic tumor tissue is preferred        when possible;    -   Subjects must have either measurable disease or bone-only        non-measurable disease, evaluable according to RECIST 1.1;    -   Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of        0 or 1 at the time of screening and enrollment;    -   Negative pregnancy test in women of childbearing potential        (premenopausal or less than 12 months of amenorrhea        post-menopause, and who have not undergone surgical        sterilization), no more than 7 days before the first dose of        study treatment;    -   For women of childbearing potential who are sexually active,        agreement to use a highly effective, non-hormonal form of        contraception during and for at least 6 months after completion        of study treatment; OR, a fertile male partner willing and able        to use effective non-hormonal means of contraception (barrier        method of contraception in conjunction with spermicidal jelly,        or surgical sterilization) during and for at least 6 months        after completion of study treatment;    -   Adequate organ function as shown by: Absolute neutrophil count        ≥1,500 cells/mm³; Platelet count ≥100,000 cells/mm3; Hemoglobin        ≥9 g/dL; Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine        aminotransferase (ALT) ≤2.5 Upper Limit of the Normal range        (ULN) (or ≤5 if hepatic metastases are present); Total serum        bilirubin ≤2.0×ULN (unless the subject has documented Gilbert        Syndrome); Alkaline phosphatase levels ≤2.5×ULN (≤5×ULN in        subjects with liver metastasis); Serum creatinine <2.0 mg/dL or        177 μmol/L; International normalized ratio (INR) or activated        partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)<1.5×ULN (unless on        anticoagulant treatment at screening);    -   Able to swallow capsules;    -   Any toxicity from prior chemotherapy has resolved or Grade 1        (NCI-CTCAE, Version 4.0).

Formulation, Packaging, and Labelling

Formula IX 3.0 mg Softgels will be supplied as opaque, white tooff-white, size 5, oval Softgels. The liquid Softgel fill is composed ofFormula IX dissolved in polyethylene glycol 400. Dosing instructionswill be provided on the study drug label and in the subject informationsheet.

Example 28 Formula IX Reduced the Growth of HER2-Positive Tumors Methods

HCI-007 tumor pieces (1 mm³) were implanted surgically (one per mouse)under the skin on the flanks of NSG mice. Simultaneously, 17β-estradiolpellet (Innovative Research of America) was implanted surgically underthe skin of each mouse. Tumors were allowed to grow and reachapproximately 100 mm³ volume (1*W*W*0.526). Mice were randomized andtreated orally with vehicle (15% DMSO+85% PEG-300), Formula IX (10mg/kg), or enzalutamide (20 mg/kg). Tumor volume was measured weekly andrepresented as % change in tumor volume (FIG. 32). Mice were sacrificedand tumors stored for further analysis.

Results

As described in FIG. 32, ER-positive, PR-positive, HER2-positive andAR-positive tumors of animals treated with vehicle and enzalutamide grewcomparably, while the tumors of mice treated with Formula IX grewslowly. Tumors of animals treated with Formula IX regressed during thefirst 7 days, before started to slowly increase. (See also Example 30,and FIGS. 35A-35C.)

Conclusion

These results support the previous results observed in MCF-7 cellsxenograft demonstrating that Formula IX reduced the growth ofHER2-positive tumors. (See Example 30.)

Example 29 Formula IX Inhibits Growth in HCI-013 Patient DerivedXenografts that are Triple Positive (ER, PR, HER2), and Also Express ARMethods

HCI-013 tumor pieces (1 mm³) were implanted surgically (one per mouse)under the skin on the flanks of NSG mice. Tumors were allowed to growand reach approximately 100 mm³ volume (1*W*W*0.526). Mice wererandomized and treated orally with vehicle (15% DMSO+85% PEG-300) orFormula IX (10 mg/kg). Tumor volume was measured weekly and representedas % change in tumor volume. Mice were sacrificed, tumors weighed, andstored for further analysis.

Results

As described in FIGS. 33A and 33B, triple positive HER2 tumors ofanimals treated with vehicle grew robustly, while the tumors of micetreated with Formula IX grew very slowly. Tumors of Formula IX treatedanimals did not grow appreciably through the duration of the experimentsuggesting that there is almost a 100% tumor growth inhibition (TGI)(FIG. 33A). The tumor volume results are reflected in tumor weightsobserved at the end of the experiment (FIG. 33B).

Conclusion

These results indicate that Formula IX is extremely potent in tumorsthat are triple positive (express ER, PR, and HER2) and also express AR.See also Example 30, where HCI-13 was further characterized to includegenotyping of the ER in the tumor which revealed the Y537S mutant ER waspresent in the HCI-13 tumor.

Example 30 Inhibition of Proliferation and Growth of Patient-DerivedXenografts (PDX) and Tissues that Express Wildtype and Mutant RefractoryER

In the study, it was found that proliferation and growth ofpatient-derived xenografts (PDX) and tissues that express wildtype andmutant refractory ER were inhibited by AR agonists and tissue-selectiveAR modulators (SARMs), but not by antagonists. The AR agonists inhibitedthe growth of these tumors by reprogramming the ER cistrome andsubsequently inhibiting ER function and by altering the phosphokinomesignature.

Materials and Methods Reagents

TaqMan PCR primers and fluorescent probes, master mixes, and Cells-to-Ctreagents were obtained from Life Technologies (Carlsbad, Calif.). Cellculture medium and charcoal-stripped fetal bovine serum (csFBS) werepurchased from Fisher Scientific (Waltham, Mass.). FBS was purchasedfrom Hyclone (San Angelo, Tx.). AR-N20 antibody was procured from SantaCruz Biotechnology (Santa Cruz, Calif.). Enzalutamide was purchased fromMedKoo Biosciences (Chapel Hill, N.C.). ER-α (D8H8) antibody wasprocured from Cell Signaling (Danvers, Mass.). Actin antibody, DHT,tamoxifen, and fulvestrant were purchased from Sigma (St. Louis, Mo.).Vetspon dental cubes/sponges (Patterson Veterinary Supplies Inc.,NC0654350) were obtained from Fisher Scientific (Waltham, Mass.).Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was purchased from R&D systems(Minneapolis, Minn.), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) was obtainedfrom Acros organics, and 17β-estradiol was obtained from Tocris(Bristol, UK). All other reagents used were analytical grade.

Cell Culture

MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 cells were obtained from American Type CultureCollection (ATCC, Manassas, Va.). The cells were cultured in accordancewith the ATCC recommendations.

Growth Assay

Cells were plated at varying densities in growth medium in 96 wellplates. Cells were treated as indicated in the figures and viabilitymeasured using sulforhodamine B (SRB) or the number of cells countedusing Coulter counter.

Transfection

MCF-7 stable cells were generated by lentiviral infection ofgreen-fluorescent protein (GFP) or the AR cloned into pLenti U6 Pgk-purovector as described earlier (Narayanan et al. (2014) PLoS One 9,e103202; Yang et al. (2010) Canc Res 70, 8108-8116; Yepuru et al. (2013)Clin Cancer Res 19(20), 5613-5625).

Tumor Xenograft Experiments

All animal protocols were approved by The University of Tennessee HealthScience Center (UTHSC) Institutional Animal Care and Use ResearchCommittee. Xenograft experiments were performed as previously published(Narayanan et al. (2014) PLoS One 9, e103202). Briefly, 3 million MCF-7cells were suspended in 0.05 ml MEM+10% FBS and 0.05 ml Matrigel/nudemouse and were injected subcutaneously. Once the tumor size reached100-200 mm³, the animals were randomized and treated orally with theindicated drugs formulated in DMSO:PEG-300 (15:85). HCI-7, HCI-9, andHCI-13 PDXs were gifts kindly donated by Dr. Alana Welm (Huntsman CancerInstitute, Salt Lake City, Utah). HCI PDX tumor fragments (1 mm³) weresurgically implanted under the mammary fat pad in female NOD SCID Gamma(NSG) mice. Tumor volume was measured twice weekly for MCF-7 xenograftand once or twice weekly for HCI PDXs. At the end of the study, animalswere sacrificed and tumors were excised, weighed, and stored for variousanalyses.

Patient Specimen Collection

Specimens from breast cancer patients were collected with patientconsent under a protocol approved by the UTHSC Institutional ReviewBoard (IRB). Specimens were collected immediately after surgery in RPMImedium containing penicillin:streptomycin and Fungizone and transportedto the laboratory on ice. The tissues were finely minced and treatedwith collagenase for 2 hours. The digested tissues were washed withserum-free medium and frozen in liquid nitrogen in freezing medium (5%DMSO+95% FBS) or implanted under the mammary fat pad in female NSG mice.

Sponge Culture

HCI-13 tumors grown in female mice were allowed to reach 500-1000 mm³before the animals were sacrificed and the tumors were excised to beused for sponge culture. Patient specimens frozen in liquid nitrogen infreezing medium were used for sponge culture. Sponge cultures wereperformed in accordance to the protocol published earlier (Dean et al.(2012) Cell Cycle 11, 2756-2761; Hu et al. (2016) Cancer Res 76,5881-5893; Ochnik et al. (2014) Menopause 21, 79-88). Tumors were slicedinto small pieces (˜1 mm³) and incubated on pre-soaked gelatin sponges(5 fragments/sponge) in 12 well plates containing 1.5 mL medium (MEM+10%FBS+2 mM L-glutamine+10 μg/mL insulin+10 μg/mL hydrocortisone+penicillin:streptomycin). The cultures were performed in triplicates forHCI-13 and singly for patient specimens. Pooled samples (n=5/sponge)from each sponge constituted one sample. Medium was replaced the nextday and treated as indicated in the figures. Tissues were harvestedafter 3 days of treatment, RNA extracted, and expression of variousgenes measured. Although the same procedure was adopted for specimensobtained from breast cancer patients, the specimens were cultured singly(n=5/sponge=one sample) and not in triplicates as performed for HCI-13.Characteristics of the patient specimens used in PDX and in spongecultures are provided in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Patient ER PR HER2 Ki-67 Treatments prior to sample ID (%) (%)(of 3) (%) Type collection 1005 90 90 1+ 12 Adenocarcinoma No previoustreatment 1075 30 10 N.D. 70 Invasive ductal carcinoma Neoadjuvant(taxol) 1074 90 N.D. 0-1+ 19 Invasive lobular Radiation, tamoxifencarcinoma 1073 95 95 1+/3+  8 Infiltrating ductal No previous treatmentcarcinoma 1053 100  0 3+ N.D. Infiltrating lobular Taxol, Herceptincarcinoma 1050 100 84 0  N.D. Infiltrating ductal No previous treatmentcarcinoma 1045 100 90 N.D. N.D. Infiltrating lobular No previoustreatment carcinoma HCI-13 + + + Infiltrating lobular Leuprolide,letrozole, carcinoma. Bone, brain, exemestane, tamoxifen, lung,pericardium, liver zoledronic acid, mets cyclophosphamide, methotrexate,5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, carboplatin, gemcitabineHCI-7 + + + N.D. Luminal B Paclitaxel, doxorubicin, gemcitabine,carboplatin HCI-9 − − − N.D. Poorly differentiated Cyclophosphamide,paclitaxel, adenocarcinoma 5-fluorouracil, anastrazole, fulvestrant,zolendronic acid

Microarray

RNA from tumors was extracted and verified qualitatively andquantitatively. Total RNA (200 ng/sample; n=4/group) from each samplewas amplified and labeled using the WT Plus Kit from Affymetrix andprocessed according to Affymetrix protocol. The arrays (Human ST2.0,Affymetrix, Santa Clara, Calif.) were washed and stained on AffymetrixFluidics station 450 and scanned on an Affymetrix GCS 3000 scanner. Datafrom microarrays were normalized using Affymetrix Expression Console.Mean, Standard Deviation, and Variance were calculated across thegroups. Fold Change from vehicle-treated samples was calculated, and afold change of 1.5 was used as cutoff. Student's t-test was used todetermine the significance and a cutoff of p value <0.05 was used forsignificance discovery. False discovery rate was calculated usingBenjamini & Hochberg method, and a cutoff for FDR <0.05 was used tocreate a significant differential expression list. The gene candidatelist was loaded to Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and gene set enrichmentanalysis (GSEA) performed for further discovery. Microarray experimentswere performed at the UTHSC Molecular Resources Center (MRC), and dataanalysis was performed by the UTHSC Molecular Bioinformatics (mBio) corefacility.

Phospho-Proteomics

Frozen samples from HCI-13 PDX treated with vehicle or Formula IX werecut into 8 μm cryosections and mounted on uncharged glass slides. Wholetissue lysates were directly prepared from the tissue sections using a1:1 mixture of T-PER (Tissue Protein Extraction Reagent; Pierce,Rockford, Ill.) and 2× Tris-Glycine SDS Sample Buffer (Invitrogen,Carlsbad, Calif.) supplemented with 5% 2-mercaptoethanol. Samples wereboiled for 8 minutes and stored at −80° C. until arrayed.

Samples and standard curves for internal quality assurance were printedonto nitrocellulose-coated slides (Grace Bio-labs, Bend, Oreg.) using anAushon 2470 arrayer (Aushon BioSystems, Billerica, Mass.). Selectedarrays were used to estimate the amount of protein in each sample usinga Sypro Ruby Protein Blot Stain (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg.)protocol following manufacturer's instructions (Pin et al. (2014) CurrProtoc Prtein Sci 75, Unit 27 27). Remaining arrays were tested with asingle primary antibody using an automated system (Dako Cytomation,Carpinteria, Calif.) as previously described (Baldelli et al. (2015)Oncotarget 6, 32368-32379). Arrays were first incubated with ReblotAntibody stripping solution (Chemicon, Temecula, Calif.), followed bytwo washes in PBS, and I-block solution (Tropix, Bedford, Mass.) for 4hours. Arrays were probed with a total of 174 antibodies targeting awide range of protein kinases and their activation via phosphorylation.Antibodies specificity was tested using standard immunoblotting on apanel of cell lysates. Selected arrays were stained with an anti-rabbitor anti-mouse biotinylated secondary antibody alone (Vector LaboratoriesInc., Burlingame, Calif. and Dako Cytomation, Carpinteria, Calif.,respectively) and used as negative controls for nonspecificbinding/background subtraction.

The commercially available Signal Amplification System (CSA; DakoCytomation) and a streptavidin-conjugated IRDye 680 secondary antibody(LI-COR Biosciences, Lincoln, Nebr.) were used as signal detectionmethods. Images were acquired on the laser-based PowerScanner (TECAN,Mönnedorf, Switzerland), and data were analyzed using the MicroVigenesoftware Version 5.1 (Vigene Tech, Carlisle, Mass.) as previouslydescribed (Baldelli et al. (2015) Oncotarget 6, 32368-32379). Intra andinter-assay reproducibilities have been previously reported (Pierobon etal. (2014) J Proteome Res 13, 2846-2855; Rapkiewicz et al. (2007) Cancer111, 173-184).

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Assay (ChIP)-Sequencing (ChIP-Seq)

HCI-13 xenograft specimens were snap frozen and stored forChIP-sequencing analysis. ChIP-Seq study was performed in vehicle orFormula IX-treated HCI-13 PDX grown in NSG mice. ChIP was performed withER (n=4/group) or AR (n=/group) antibodies and genome-wide sequencingwas performed on a NextSeq 500 sequencer. For ChIP, a standard SDS-basedprotocol was used, as has been described (Carroll et al. (2005) Cell122, 33-43). Briefly, a whole cell lysate was made from tissues. Thelysate was sonicated using a Covaris E210 machine (Covaris Inc., Woburn,Mass.), for 30 min per sample (settings: duty cycle 20%, intensity 8 at200 cycles per burst). ER or AR was immunoprecipitated, washed, and thecomplex eluted. The DNA-protein complex was reverse cross-linked byincubating at 65° C. for 6 hours to overnight. After reversecross-linking, precipitated and input DNA was purified using QIAquickPCR purification columns (Qiagen).

For library preparation the ThruPLEX-FD Prep Kit (Rubicon Genomics, AnnArbor, Mich.) was used. For each library 2-10 ng DNA was used. Afteramplification, fragments of 200-600 bp were selected using a Pippin Prepmachine using 2% agarose ethidium bromide-containing cassettes (SageScience, Beverly, Mass.). After size selection, the DNA was cleanedusing Ampure beads and analyzed on a Fragment Analyzer (AdvancedAnalytical, Ames, Iowa). For sequencing, NextSeq 500 sequencing platform(Illumina, San Diego, Calif.) was used. Human genome build 19 (hg19) wasused as the reference genome. Sequencing data from ChIP experiments werealigned to the human genome using Bowtie. For peak calling MACS2 wasused.

Immunohistochemistry

Fourteen cases of invasive breast cancer, luminal B subtype, were chosenrandomly from the formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples availablefrom the tissue bank of the pathological department of Tohoku UniversityHospital. The luminal B classification of these samples was on the basisof having ERα expression greater than 1% and a Ki-67 labelling index ofgreater than 20 percent. The samples had variable levels of PRexpression (Labelling Index, Average 48.9, Range 0-100) and otherclinicopathological characteristics (Ki67, Average 38%, Range 20-48%;Nottingham Grade, 1 n=1, 2 n=10, 3 n=3). The use of these samples wasapproved by the Tohoku University School of Graduate Medicine Ethicreview board (2014-1-107). Blocks of tissue were retrieved and sectionedat a thickness of 3 μM and mounted on glass slides. In order to assessco-localisation mirror image sectioning was used. The slides were thenstained for ERα and AR (ERα, 1:50 dilution, Clone 6F11, Leica; AR, 1:50dilution, Clone AR441, Dako) using immunohistochemistry as previouslydescribed (McNamara et al. (2013) Cancer Sci 104, 639-646; Niikawa etal. (2008) Clin Cancer Res 14, 4417-4426).

Statistics

Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad prism software (LaJolla, Calif.). Experiments containing two groups were analyzed bysimple t-test, while those containing more than two groups were analyzedby one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey post-hoc test.Microarray, phospho-proteomics, and ChIP-Seq statistical analyses aredescribed under the respective methods.

All in vitro experiments were performed at least in triplicate. Data arerepresented as mean±S.E.

Results

The SARM Formula IX, is an AR agonist that binds to and activates the ARat less than 10 nM (Narayanan et al. (2014) PLoS One 9, e103202;Ponnusamy et al. (2017) Hum Mol Genet. 26(13), 2526-2540). Clinically,Formula IX has been evaluated in over 1000 patients in multiple clinicaltrials (see Example 27 for a partial list) and was shown to increaselean mass and physical function without having significant virilizingside effects (Dobs et al. (2013) Lancet Oncol 14, 335-345). One of themotivating factors to explore SARMs in preclinical studies for breastcancer was that SARMs are non-metabolizable SARMs to weaker androgen orestrogen metabolites which confound results in breast cancer, which isin contrast with steroidal androgens such as DHT.

Formula IX Inhibited (ER, PR, and AR Positive) Breast Cancer CellProliferation

To determine the effect of AR agonists on the proliferation ofER-positive breast cancer cells, ZR-75-1 breast cancer cells thatendogenously express AR, ER, and PR were treated with vehicle or a doseresponse regimen of Formula IX and the number of cells were countedafter 6 days of treatment. Proliferation of ZR-75-1 cells wassignificantly reduced dose dependently by Formula IX (FIG. 34A). Theresults were reproduced in MCF-7 cells stably transfected with AR, butnot with GFP (FIG. 34B). Although a few previous reports have shown thatMCF-7 cells express AR and respond to AR ligands (Buchanan et al. (2005)Cancer Res 65, 8487-8496), the MCF-7 cell line clone in the study lacksor minimally expresses AR, which is in concordance with other reports(De Amicis et al. (2010) Breast Cancer Res Treat 121, 1-11).

Tumor microenvironment contains tumor epithelial cells, stromal cells,cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and endothelial cells. Thecollective function of these cells promotes the aggressive growth oftumors due to secretion of paracrine factors. The CAFs are important forthe sustained growth of cancers, and they differ from normal fibroblastsin their capacity to secrete factors that promote proliferation ofcancer cells. To determine how an AR agonist affects the paracrinefactors secreted by CAFs and subsequently the proliferation ofepithelial cells, CAFs were isolated from an ER, PR, and AR-positivebreast cancer tissue obtained from a 59-year-old African Americanpatient (Sample ID 1005). The CAFs were treated with vehicle, 10 nM DHT,or 1 μM Formula IX or 1 μM of an AR antagonist, enzalutamide. Medium wascollected over a period of 10 days and pooled. CAFs were stained withSRB to evaluate the effect of AR ligands on proliferation. Of the testedmaterials, neither AR agonist, DHT and Formula IX, nor AR antagonistenzalutamide, affected the proliferation of breast cancer CAFs (FIG.34C, left side).

MCF-7 cells stably transfected with GFP (MCF-7-GFP) that lack AR wereplated in 96 well plates and fed with conditioned medium obtained fromCAFs treated with vehicle, DHT, Formula IX, or enzalutamide. Conditionedmedium was replaced on days 4 and 7 and the cells were stained with SRBto measure viability. Both DHT and Formula IX-treated conditionedmedium, but not enzalutamide-treated medium, inhibited the proliferationof MCF-7-GFP cells (FIG. 34C, right side). The anti-proliferativeeffects rendered by DHT and Formula IX would have evolved frominhibiting any paracrine secretion that occurred in CAFs, and could notbe direct effects on the AR-negative MCF-7 clone.

Formula IX Inhibited Wild-Type ER-Positive Breast Cancer PDX (HCI-7)Growth

To determine if the growth inhibitory properties of Formula IX in vitrocould be observed in vivo, Formula IX was tested in a PDX expressingwildtype AR. From the several PDXs available, three AR-positive PDXswere identified, based on gene expression profile. These PDXs, HCI-7,HCI-9, and HCI-13 (Table 12) express high levels of AR that arecomparable to the expression found in LNCaP cells (FIG. 35A). Todetermine the effect of Formula IX on the growth of wildtype ER-positivebreast cancer PDX, HCI-7 (wtER-positive, PR-positive, AR-positive)luminal A tumor fragments were implanted under the mammary fat pad offemale NSG mice. Once the tumors reached 100-200 mm³, the mice wererandomized and treated orally with vehicle, 10 mg/kg Formula IX, or 30mg/kg enzalutamide. The enzalutamide dose was selected based on previouspublished experiments (Park et al. (2016) Cancer Invest 34, 517-520;Pollock et al. (2016) Nat Chem Biol 12, 795-801) as well as frominternal experiments conducted in prostate cancer xenografts and inHershberger studies. The growth of HCI-7, which is a slow growing tumor,was inhibited significantly by Formula IX, but not by enzalutamide (FIG.35B (see also FIG. 32)). Tumor weights measured at the end of the studywere also significantly smaller in the Formula IX-treated group (FIG.35C).

To confirm the results obtained in HCI-7, a xenograft was developed withMCF-7 cells (wtER, PR and HER2 positive) stably transfected with AR(MCF-7-AR) that express wildtype ER. Tumor volumes, measured three timesper week, were significantly reduced by Formula IX with a calculatedtumor growth inhibition of greater than 60% (FIG. 35D), supporting theuse of SARMs in ER-positive and AR-positive breast cancers.

To determine if the same effect is observed in an AR-positive, butER-negative breast cancer, HCI-9 tumor fragments were implanted underthe mammary fat pad of NSG mice. Once the tumors grew to 100-200 mm³,the animals were randomized and treated orally with vehicle, Formula IX,or enzalutamide. Neither Formula IX nor enzalutamide altered the growthtrajectory of the tumors, indicating that the AR agonist was noteffective in HCI-9 PDX that does not express ER (FIG. 34D).Collectively, these results indicate that the AR might require ER toinhibit cell proliferation and tumor growth.

AR Agtonist Inhibited Growth of Estrogten-Independent Mutant ER-PositivePDX (HCI-13)

It was discovered by internal sequencing as well as from literature thatHCI-13 PDX expresses an ER that is mutated in the LBD at Y537 (Sikora etal. (2014) Cancer Res 74, 1463-1474). This mutation frequently occurs inrefractory ER-positive breast cancers that have been treated with ERantagonists (e.g., tamoxifen or fulvestrant) or aromatase inhibitors(e.g., letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane) (Jeselsohn et al. (2018)Cancer Cell 33, 173-186; Toy et al. (2017) Cancer Disc 7, 277-287).Genome-wide ChIP-seq studies with cells expressing this mutant indicatedthat the DNA binding signature of this mutant ER is distinct from thatof the wildtype ER and that this mutation reprogrammed the ER cistrome.HCI-13 was obtained from a patient who was treated with and relapsedfrom drugs ranging from ER-targeted therapeutics to chemotherapy (Table12). To determine whether this ER mutant expressing PDX is dependent onestrogen for growth, HCI-13 tumors were implanted under the mammary fatpad in sham-operated and ovariectomized mice. Tumor growth was monitoredover a period of 4 weeks. The growth rate in both sham-operated and inovariectomized mice was comparable, indicating that the ER in HCI-13 isconstitutively active and does not require estrogen to grow (FIG. 36A).

To determine if Formula IX will have the ability to inhibit the growthof a constitutively active mutant ER-driven breast cancer, HCI-13 tumorfragments were implanted under the mammary fat pad in NSG mice. Once thetumors attained 100-200 mm³, the animals were randomized and treatedwith vehicle or Formula IX. Formula IX inhibited the growth of HCI-13 byalmost 95% (FIG. 36B and FIG. 36C). The tumors that were weighed at thetime of sacrifice also reflected an almost complete inhibition of tumor(FIG. 36C).

Since the Y537S mutation in the ER-LBD results in resistance of ERantagonists, degraders, and aromatase inhibitors, it was hypothesizedthat the mutant ER in HCI-13 might be refractory to the inhibitoryeffects of ER antagonists. To prove this hypothesis, ex vivo spongeculture was used to grow HCI-13. HCI-13 tumor fragments were cultured ongelatin sponges as described in the methods and were treated withvehicle, DHT, Formula IX, enzalutamide, and fulvestrant. At the end of 3days of incubation, the tumors were harvested, RNA isolated, and theexpression of ER- and AR-target genes was measured by real time PCR(FIG. 36D-FIG. 36G).

The results clearly show that while fulvestrant, a clinically usedeffective ER degrader, was ineffective, DHT and Formula IX wereeffective in inhibiting the expression of constitutively activeER-induced pS2 and PR gene (FIG. 36D-FIG. 36E). Both DHT and Formula IXinduced the AR-target gene, FKBP5 (FIG. 36F), indicating that the AR isfunctional. Measurement of the proliferation marker MKI67 (i.e., Ki67)indicated that similar to the expression of pS2 and PR, MKI67 expressionwas inhibited by Formula IX and DHT, but not by fulvestrant orenzalutamide (FIG. 36G). These results were reproduced in an ERtransactivation assay with an ER cDNA cloned from HCI-13 (FIG. 34E).While fulvestrant and tamoxifen inhibited the activity of wildtype ER(FIG. 34E, left side), HCI-13 ER was not inhibited by either of thecompounds (FIG. 34E, right side). These results confirm that when ERinhibitors and degraders develop resistance, AR agonists might offer amechanistically distinct approach to inhibit the resistant ER function.

Ex Vivo Culture with ER-Positive (Except 2005 and HCI-9) Tumor SpecimensIndicated the Heterogeneity of Response to ER and AR Ligands

Like other cancers, breast cancer is also heterogeneous in its genomicprofile as well as in its response to treatments. To determine theeffect of Formula IX and fulvestrant on growth inhibition, breast cancerspecimens obtained from patients were cultured, on dental sponges, asindicated above. The specimens were treated with vehicle, 1 μM FormulaIX, or 100 nM fulvestrant. Three days after treatment, RNA was isolatedfrom the tissues and expression of ER- and AR-target genes was measured.Expression of the AR and ER plotted as relative to HCI-13 expressionindicates that the two targets were expressed only at a fraction of thelevels observed in HCI-13 (FIG. 36K). HCI-13 expresses AR at levelscomparable to that of LNCaP prostate cancer cells and the otherspecimens ranged from 0.2-20%, with the triple-negative specimen, 2005,having the least expression. Fulvestrant inhibited the ER function in 4of 8 specimens, while Formula IX inhibited the ER function in 3 of 8specimens (FIG. 36H-FIG. 36I). Interestingly, Formula IX inhibited theER function in specimen 1005, where fulvestrant functioned as anagonist. Specimen 1005 could be comparable to that of HCI-13 in itsresponse to ER antagonists. These results are in concordance with theHCI-13 observation that AR agonists might inhibit ER function even incases where ER antagonists will fail to inhibit. The ability of FormulaIX to be an AR agonist was observed in 4 of 8 specimens (FIG. 36J) whichincluded all 3 specimens for which Formula IX was able to suppress ERfunction. Moreover, as most of these patients have not received manytreatments prior to the procurement of the tissues (Table 12),nomutation in the ER was expected.

Formula IX Inhibited HCI-13 Breast Cancer Growth by Inhibiting theFunction of Constitutively Active ER

The gene expression studies in sponge culture demonstrate that the ARagonists inhibit ER-target genes. To determine the mechanism for theanti-proliferative effects of Formula IX in HCI-13, RNA from HCI-13tumors obtained from animals shown in FIG. 36B-FIG. 36C were subjectedto Affymetrix microarray. In total, 3029 genes were differentiallyregulated by Formula IX in HCI-13 tumors compared to vehicle-treatedtumors. Formula IX up-regulated 1792 genes and down-regulated 1237genes. Heatmap of the differentially regulated genes clearly indicates ashift in the expression pattern of genes due to Formula IX treatment(FIG. 37A). Some of the most up-regulated genes include Cyp4F8, MYBPC1,RAB3B, LRRC26, AQP4, and CST4 (FIG. 37B). Although the role ofupregulated genes like Cyp4F8 and Mybpc1 in breast cancer is unclear andneeds to be determined, downregulated genes such as MUC-2 and IL10RA)have been shown to play important role in cancers.

Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) showed that the ER-target genes werehighly enriched even more than the AR-target genes in Formula IX-treatedspecimens (p values of 6.66⁻¹¹ vs 2.83⁻⁷; FIG. 37C). A subset of theER-target genes was down-regulated by Formula IX, while all theAR-target genes were up-regulated by Formula IX (FIG. 37D-FIG. 37G).While ER-target genes such as TFF1, PGR, NRIP1 were down-regulated byFormula IX (not shown), other ER-target genes such as CTSD and CCND1were not inhibited by Formula IX. These results provide evidence thatFormula IX functions in breast cancer by at least partially inhibitingthe ER-signaling pathway to reduce the growth of cancer.

Some direct and indirect regulation of ER-targets were observed inFormula IX-treated samples. ER increases PDZK1 expression, which in-turninhibits the expression of SLC26A3, a tumor suppressor gene.Interestingly, Formula IX significantly inhibited the expression ofPDZK1, which restored the expression of the tumor-suppressor gene,SLC26A3. Similarly, anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2 and genes present in itsnetwork such as PARP and WT1 were significantly down-regulated byFormula IX. Although these genes do not belong to the list of ER-directtarget genes, cross-talk between ER and the BCL-2 pathway has beenreported previously. Expression of another class of oncogenic proteins,histone class, was inhibited by Formula IX. About 17 members of histonegroup were inhibited significantly by Formula IX. The histone class hasbeen implicated in aggressive cancers and endocrine-resistance (Nayak etal. (2015) Horm Cancer 6, 214-224).

Although IPA analysis did not provide any evidence for regulation ofERBB2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 or HER2/neu) pathway byFormula IX, GSEA enrichment analysis revealed that Formula IX affectedthe genes regulated by ERBB2 (FIG. 37H). It is not clear at this pointwhether the regulation of ERBB2 is a result of growth inhibition orinhibition of the ER pathway. Irrespective of the mechanism, adownregulation of ERBB2 pathway, which is an oncogenic andtumor-promoting pathway, may be an added advantage of using Formula IXor an AR agonist in ER-positive breast cancers.

ChIP-Seq Analysis Demonstrates that Formula IX Reprogrammed ER and ARCistromes

Previous studies have demonstrated that the interaction of Y537S mutantER with DNA has been reprogrammed and might share limited similarity tothe wildtype ER genome interaction. To determine if the effect ofFormula IX on ER function is due to direct effect on ER binding to DNA,ChIP-sequencing was performed in the tumor samples obtained from animalsshown in FIG. 36B-FIG. 36C. ER binding to 1248 regions (q<0.05) on theDNA was reprogrammed by Formula IX, with 792 regions enriched with ERand 456 regions depleted of ER (FIG. 38A and FIG. 38H). AR showed asimilar pattern of DNA binding i.e. regions enriched with ER were alsoenriched for AR, and the regions that were depleted of ER were alsodepleted of AR (FIG. 38A and FIG. 38H). This indicates that the ER andAR are potentially shuttling as a complex. The motifs that were enrichedby the ER represent androgen response element (ARE; SEQ ID NO: 1),glucocorticoid response element (GRE; SEQ ID NO: 2), and Forkhead boxprotein A1 or FOXA1 response elements (FOXA1RE; SEQ ID NO: 3), while theregions that were depleted of ER represent estrogen response element(ERE; SEQ ID NO: 4) and FOXA1RE (SEQ ID NO: 5) (FIG. 38A and FIG. 38H).Although the regions depleted by ER favor the gene expression pattern,the enrichment of ER at AREs and GREs is surprising and has not beenpreviously reported. The principal component analysis (PCA) plotsuggests the clear demarcation in the clustering of vehicle- and FormulaIX—treated samples (FIG. 38C). FIG. 38B and FIG. 40 show representativeregions enriched and depleted of ER and AR. AR and ER binding to pS2ERE, PSA (KLK3) promoter ARE, and PSA enhancer ARE was validated by ChIPreal-time PCR (FIG. 38D). It is important to recognize that as FormulaIX neither binds to ER nor alters ER activity (Kearbey et al. (2007)Pharmaceutical Res 24, 328-335; Narayanan et al. (2008) MolecularEndocrinology 22, 2448-2465) its effect on ER cistrome is mediated byactivating the AR.

As this is the first study to evaluate the effect of AR agonists such asDHT and Formula IX on ER cistrome in ER-positive breast cancers, theregions bound by ER were mapped in response to Formula IX. Between 50and 60% of the ER enriched and depleted sites were mapped to distalregulatory regions, while only around 2-3% of the sites mapped topromoter regions (FIG. 38E). Interestingly, while the intron and exonbinding percentage match with previous reports, the proportion of the ERbound to promoters and distal regulatory elements are distinct from thatobserved in response to estrogens or with a constitutively active ER.Other studies have indicated that the ER cistrome comprises of about30-40% at distal regulatory regions and 7-22% in proximal promoterregions, and AR-regulated ER cistrome comprises of 50-60% and 2-3% ofthese regions, respectively.

Formula IX Reprogrammed the FOXA1RE Sites

It is interesting to observe that FOXA1RE motifs are represented in boththe enriched and depleted ER cistrome. The enriched cistrome motifsrepresent ARE, GRE, and FOXA1RE, while the depleted cistrome motifsrepresent ERE and FOXA1RE. As FOXA1 pioneering transcription factor isimportant for the function of both AR and ER and has overlapping bindingsites with ARE and ERE, it is highly possible that the activated ARmight sequester FOXA1 from the FOXA1REs adjacent to the EREs to open upthe nucleosome and facilitate its binding to ARE and GRE. Since ER isfunctioning as a complex with AR, it is also sequestered from EREs andFOXA1REs towards AREs, GREs, and FOXA1REs. To determine the validity ofthis hypothesis the motifs shared by ERE and FOXA1REs were mapped in thedownregulated cistrome. The majority of the EREs and FOXA1REs overlap inthe downregulated motifs (FIG. 38F). On the other hand, majority of theGREs and AREs in the upregulated motifs overlap with FOXA1REs. Theresults of this analysis confirm the hypothesis that the ER:AR:FOXA1complex shuttles from the ER binding sites to AR binding sites tofacilitate the conversion of nucleosomes to open chromatin and ARbinding.

To confirm that the AR and ER are localized as a complex and that theymigrate together between cistromes, an immunoprecipitation was conductedwith ER and AR antibodies and Western blot for SRC-1. It washypothesized that if the AR and ER exist as distinct, separatecomplexes, Formula IX treatment will increase the interaction of SRC-1with AR and reduce the interaction with ER. If AR and ER exist as acomplex together, then Formula IX treatment will increase theinteraction of both AR and ER with SRC-1. Treatment of HCI-13 PDX withFormula IX resulted in an increase in the interaction between AR andSRC-1 and also between ER and SRC-1 (FIG. 38G). Although this is not adirect evidence for the AR:ER complex, this evidence combined withChIP-Seq data suggest that the two proteins exist as a complex and themain difference is the cistrome binding that results in activation orinactivation of genes.

AR and ER Colocalized in Luminal B Breast Cancers

To determine the nuclear reactivity of AR and ER and potentialcolocalization in breast cancer specimens, immunohistochemistry wasperformed in several luminal B breast cancer specimens. Nuclearimmunoreactivity of both AR and ER and expression at high levels wasobserved in all the breast cancer specimens examined (FIG. 39).Additionally, several samples had moderate levels of cytoplasmicimmunoreactivity for both markers. As levels of expression of bothmarkers exceeded 60% in all samples, a high percentage of cells werepositive for both ER and AR. The patterns of staining were also similarbetween the markers. Overall, the number of cells immunoreactive for ARin any one sample exceeded those which were immunoreactive for ER.However, the semi-quantitative nature of immunohistochemistry precludesus from being able to state conclusively that AR was expressed atgreater levels than ERα. It was also possible to observe samples inwhich immunoreactivity for AR was weaker or absent while ERimmunoreactivity was present; however, these were less frequent.

Phospho-Proteomic Analysis Showed the Inhibition of Oncogenic andInduction of Tumor-Suppressor Protein Phosphorylation by AR Agonist

To determine the effect of Formula IX on the functions of variousproteins, phospho-proteomics was performed in HCI-13 tumors treated withvehicle or Formula IX. Formula IX inhibited the phosphorylation ofvarious oncogenic proteins such as pERK, PKC z_(e) RSK3, Ezrin, BCL2,ELF4G, and ER (FIGS. 41A-FIG. 41C). Formula IX also inhibited theexpression of proliferation marker Ki67. Alternatively, Formula IXincreased the phosphorylation of tumor suppressor proteins such as p53,p27, ACC, and the AR. Formula IX also increased the phosphorylation ofSTAT5, which could be a tumor suppressor or an oncogene depending on thecontext (FIGS. 41A-FIG. 41C). These results demonstrate that activatingthe AR with an agonist promotes the alteration of appropriate pathwaysthat facilitate tumor growth inhibition.

To understand the consequences of these protein alterations, cellsignaling activators and inhibitors in HCI-13 sponge cultures were usedto determine their effects on AR and ER target gene expression, FKBP5and pS2, respectively. Because ERK and PKC phosphorylation weredown-regulated by Formula IX, HCI-13 sponge cultures were treated withactivators of the two pathways, EGF and PMA (FIG. 41D-FIG. 41E).Treatment of HCI-13 tumor fragments with PMA completely reversed the pS2gene expression that was inhibited by Formula IX, while EGF onlymarginally reversed the inhibition observed with Formula IX. PMAreversed the effects of Formula IX on pS2 gene expression withoutaffecting the ability of Formula IX to increase the expression of ARtarget gene, FKBP5 (FIG. 41E). This suggests that PMA is potentiallyworking downstream of the AR to regulate the ER.

Discussion

Almost all oncology therapeutics are inhibitors or antagonists of theirtherapeutic targets. Prolonged use of these agents will result inselective pressure and eventually resistant mutations. These resistantmutations can either attenuate or prevent the anti-tumor activity of thedrug or in the worst case scenario convert the drug into an agonist andcause aggressive tumor growth. In the presence of an agonist, the ARwill exist in an agonistic conformation as observed in nature and not inan unstable antagonistic conformation. This conformational propertymight be less prone to the formation of AR mutations that could preventAR binding or cause agonist effects on the cistrome.

The results obtained in HCI-13 are extremely encouraging. A tumor thatrelapsed and continued to grow in the presence of a range oftherapeutics was inhibited by Formula IX (an AR agonist and nonsteroidalSARM) with a tumor growth inhibition of over 90%. This result and theresult from ex vivo studies support the use of SARMs even after thetumors relapse from other treatment options. Although the HCI-13 is onlyone example of mutant ER, this mutation Y537S is one of the commonmutants found in the clinic and could serve as a representative(Katzenellenbogen et al. (2018) Nat Rev Cancer 18(6), 377-388).

The unique property of inhibiting the ER function by activating the ARdemonstrates the complex interaction between various nuclear receptorsand their associated proteins. The microarray results indicate that theinhibition of ER and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)pathways by Formula IX could provide greater benefit to patients in whomboth oncogenic pathways are activated. This beneficial effect is furtherenhanced by the increase in the phosphorylation of various tumorsuppressors and inhibition of the phosphorylation of oncogenes.

The ChIP-Seq results suggest that the AR and ER exist as a complex inthe presence of Formula IX and shift from an ER cistrome to an ARcistrome along with the pioneering transcription factor FOXA1. Based onthese results, a model was proposed (FIG. 42). In the absence of anactivated AR, the constitutively active ER binds to EREs by utilizingFOXA1REs to create an open chromatin and promote the growth of thetumor. In the presence of an AR agonist, AR interacts with ER and thecomplex shifts from ERE and adjacent FOXA1REs to ARE and adjacentFOXA1REs. In this case, the FOXA1 is sequestered away from EREs towardsAREs to open the nucleosomes and facilitate the binding of the complex.

Overall, these mechanism-based preclinical and translational studiessupport the use of an SARMs such as Formula IX to treat refractoryhormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Further, heterogeneity is seenthe response of ER-positive clinical specimens and hence it might beoptimal to pharmacogenomically screen for Y537S ER mutant expressingbreast cancers in order to enriched the clinical benefit rate of FormulaIX. Tissue-selective AR agonism might offer an alternative hormonalapproach for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.

Example 31 Imaging Androgen Receptors in Breast Cancer with¹⁸F-16Beta-Fluoro-5Alpha-Dihydrotestosterone Positron-EmissionTomography (PET)

Objectives: [¹⁸F]-16β-fluoro-5α-dihydrotestosterone (FDHT) is a novelradiotracer for imaging the androgen receptor (AR) with PET. Mostprimary and metastatic breast cancer tumors express AR and modulating ARsignaling has become recognized as a potentially important therapeutictarget for metastatic breast cancer. As part of a phase II clinicaltrial investigating a SARM, i.e., the structure of Formula IX, forestrogen receptor positive (ER(+)) metastatic breast cancer, aprospective imaging sub-study was designed to demonstrate theproof-of-principle that FDHT-PET can be used to non-invasively image thepresence of AR expression in breast cancer and to explore the potentialof FDHT-PET as an imaging biomarker for evaluating response to SARMtherapy.

Methods: 11 post-menopausal women with ER(+) metastatic breast cancerwere enrolled on the imaging sub-study and underwent FDHT-PET/CT atbaseline and at 6 and 12 weeks after starting SARM therapy (n=10, 9 mgorally daily; n=1, 18 mg orally daily). PET/CT scans were obtained fromthe skull vertex to mid-thigh 45 minutes after the intravenousadministration of 333 MBq (9 mCi) FDHT. All FDHT-PET/CT scans wereobtained on the same scanner for individual participants. Abnormal FDHTuptake in tumor was qualitatively defined as uptake greater thanbackground in a pattern consistent with metastatic breast cancer andquantified using SUVmax at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks after starting SARMtherapy. Archival or fresh tumor biopsy specimens underwent centralreview for AR status (qualitative: positive/negative; quantitative: %positive nuclei). Percent change summed FDHT-SUVmax was calculatedbetween baseline and week 6 and week 12 scans. Tumor response wasassessed every 12 weeks according to RECIST 1.1. Patients were groupedaccording to their best overall response as having clinical benefit (CB:complete/partial response and stable disease) or progressive disease(PD). Statistical analyses are primarily descriptive due to pilot natureof study.

Results: 9 patients completed all 3 FDHT-PET/CT scans; 2 came off studyprior to week 12. For 9 patients with tumor AR status available,baseline FDHT-SUVmax was higher for AR positive (n=7) versus AR negative(n=2) tumors (FIG. 43A). Excluding one outlier, a trend for higherbaseline FDHT SUVmax was seen with higher quantitative AR expressionlevels (r=0.71, p=0.05) (FIG. 43B). At 12 weeks after treatment, 7patients had clinical benefit and 4 had progressive disease. Medianbaseline FDHT-SUVmax was 2.93 (range 1-4.38) for 7 patients with CB at12 weeks after therapy and 2.15 (0.96-3.77) for 4 with PD (FIG. 44A).Those with CB (PR and SD) at 12 weeks had decline in FDHT uptake whereasthose with progressive disease (PD or discontinued (Disc(AE) or Disc))did not (FIG. 44B).

Conclusions: This hypothesis generating data supports theproof-of-principle that FDHT uptake in metastatic breast cancercorrelates with tumor AR expression. The data also supports a potentialrole for FDHT-PET/CT as a whole-body non-invasive imaging biomarker thatcan be used in larger, well-designed clinical trials to optimizestrategies modulating AR signaling to treat metastatic breast cancer.

Example 32 The Efficacy and Safety of Formula IX on Metastatic orLocally Advanced ER+/AR+ Breast Cancer (BC) in Postmenopausal Women

Study design: This was an open label, multicenter, multinational,randomized, parallel design Phase 2 study, and was to assess theefficacy and safety of Formula IX in postmenopausal subjects withER+/AR+BC. Subjects were randomized to receive either Formula IX 9 mg or18 mg given PO daily for up to 24 months. Each dose arm was treatedindependently, and each assessed for efficacy using Simon's two-stage(optimal) design (Simon R. Optimal two-stage designs for Phase 2clinical trials. Controlled Clinical Trials 1989; 10: 1-10). Subjectswere randomized in a 1:1 fashion to one of the two dose arms.

Randomization was stratified by subjects presenting with bone onlymetastases and all other subjects, and further by setting of immediatelypreceding therapy (adjuvant setting or metastatic setting) in order tobalance the proportion of subjects with these presenting features ineach dose arm. There was no intent to statistically compare the two dosearms, but to determine whether either or both doses resulted in anacceptable clinical benefit response (CBR), defined as the proportion ofevaluable subjects (i.e., subjects with centrally confirmed AR+ and whoreceived at least one dose of study drug) with either CR, PR, or SD byRECIST 1.1 at week 24 while maintaining an acceptable safety profile.Given such a result, future exploration of Formula IX in ER+/AR+ BCwould be warranted at that dose level.

Thirty-six to eighty-eight (36-88) subjects with centrally confirmed AR+who received at least one dose of study drug (evaluable subjects) wereneeded for primary efficacy analysis purposes and were a subset of thefull analysis set (FAS). Fifty patients in the 9 mg cohort and 52patients in the 18 mg cohort met these criteria. One hundred seventy two(172) subjects, including replacement subjects, were randomized in a 1:1fashion to receive a daily PO dose of either Formula IX 9 mg or 18 mg.Thirty of the aforementioned subjects were considered replacementsubjects to account for lack of centrally confirmed AR+ status or forthe rare subject that was randomized but did not receive study drug(assumes 25% of enrolled subjects were not evaluable for the primaryefficacy analysis). Other statistical parameters that were part of thesample size calculation are α=0.025 (one-sided) and power=90%. The firststage in each study arm was assessed among the first 18 evaluablesubjects. Greater than 3/18 subjects achieved CB (defined as CR, PR, orSD) at week 24, and both arms proceeded to the second stage ofrecruitment up to a total of 44 evaluable subjects per arm. Otherwise,the arm would have been discontinued for lack of efficacy. Statisticalsignificance, i.e., rejection of the null hypothesis of an unacceptablylow CBR of ≤10% in favor of the alternative hypothesis that indicatedthe higher rate, ≥30%, was more likely, would be declared if at least9/44 subjects achieved CB at week 24 in that arm.

Subjects who were not centrally confirmed AR+ remained on the trial, butwere not part of the primary efficacy analysis—these subjectscontributed to secondary and tertiary analyses.

Subjects on the 18 mg treatment arm who experienced an adverse event(AE) with Grade ≥3 intensity (National Cancer Institute-CommonTerminology Criteria for Adverse Events [NCI-CTCAE], Version 4.0) and/orintolerance may have had a dose reduction from 18 mg to 9 mg per day ora drug interruption based on the medical judgment of the Investigatorand after confirmation by the study Medical Monitor. The druginterruption may have lasted for a period of up to 5 days after whichthe subject must be rechallenged with study drug (18 mg or 9 mg) ordiscontinued from the study. In the case of a dose reduction, once theAE had resolved or reduced in intensity to Grade 1, the subject may havebeen rechallenged with 18 mg or maintained at 9 mg at the discretion ofthe Investigator.

Subjects on the 9 mg treatment arm who experienced an AE with Grade ≥3intensity (NCI-CTCAE 4.0) and/or intolerance may have had a druginterruption based on the medical judgment of the Investigator and afterconfirmation by the study Medical Monitor. The drug interruption maylast for a period of up to 5 days after which the subject must berechallenged with study drug (9 mg) or discontinued from the study.

For safety analysis, subjects were analyzed in the treatment arm inwhich they were initially dosed. For efficacy analysis, subjects wereanalyzed according to the treatment arm to which they were randomized.

The subjects who demonstrated CB were treated for up to 24 months fromthe date of randomization (as long as they continued to demonstrate CBfrom the treatment during these 24 months). Subjects who continued todemonstrate a CB from the study treatment at 24 months would have beenoffered to continue in a safety extension study under a separateprotocol. For safety purposes, all subjects would have been followed-upfor one month after the last dose of Formula IX was received.

For safety purposes, all subjects were followed-up for one month afterthe last dose of Formula IX was received.

Target Population: Adult postmenopausal women with metastatic orrecurrent locally advanced ER+/AR+ BC.

Study Duration: The study duration was estimated at 3 years.

Description of Agent or Intervention: Three (3) Formula IX 3.0 mgsoftgels for a 9 mg daily dose or six (6) Formula IX 3.0 mg softgels foran 18 mg daily dose were taken PO with water at approximately the sametime each day, with or without food.

Potential Benefits: Based on the trial of Example 9, Formula IX 9 mgonce daily were studied in 22 postmenopausal women with metastatic ER+BC who had previously responded to hormonal therapy. The primaryendpoint was assessed in 17 AR-positive subjects. Six of these 17subjects demonstrated CB (SD) at six months. In one subject with SD(RECIST 1.1), tumor regression of 27% in a single target lesion wasdemonstrated. Seven subjects in total (one subject with indeterminate ARstatus) achieved CB at six months. Among the seven subjects who achievedCB at six months, time to progression (TTP) was estimated as 10.2months. The results also demonstrated that, after a median duration onstudy of 81 days, 41 percent of all subjects ( 9/22) achieved CB as bestresponse and also had increased PSA, which appeared to be an indicatorof AR activity. As of the finalization of this protocol, the study wasstill ongoing with one subject whose disease remained stable beyond 336days.

Preclinical data with Formula IX suggested that it was also anabolic inbone and decreases bone turn over markers. Treatment with Formula IX maydecrease bone turn over as compared with other hormonal therapies forthe treatment of hormone receptor positive BC. Stronger bonemicroenvironment may decrease metastases to bone or delay time toskeletal related events.

Efficacy Objectives

The primary efficacy objective of this trial was to estimate the CBR at24 weeks (defined as complete response [CR], partial response [PR], orSD) (by RECIST 1.1) of Formula IX 9 mg and of Formula IX 18 mg given POdaily in subjects with estrogen receptor positive and androgen receptorpositive (ER+/AR+) BC who had centrally confirmed AR+ status.

The secondary efficacy objectives were to estimate the CBR at 24 weeks(by RECIST 1.1) of Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg in all subjects randomizedwho received at least one dose of study medication (the full analysisset [FAS]) regardless of AR status as determined by the centrallaboratory.

The additional secondary efficacy objectives applied to both centrallyconfirmed AR+ subjects (the evaluable subset of the FAS) as well as toall subjects in the FAS: (a) Estimate the objective response rate (ORR;defined as CR or PR) (by RECIST 1.1) of Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg at 24weeks; (b) Estimate the best overall response rate (BOR) of Formula IX 9mg and 18 mg; (c) Estimate the progression free survival (PFS) ofsubjects receiving Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg; (d) Estimate the TTP ofsubjects receiving Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg; and (e) Estimate durationof response (time from documentation of tumor response to diseaseprogression or death) of subjects receiving Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg.

The tertiary objective applied to both centrally confirmed AR+ subjects(the evaluable subset of the FAS) as well as to all subjects in the FAS(a) Assess the effect of Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg on serum PSA; (b)Assess the effect of Formula IX 9 mg and 18 mg on Quality of Life (QoL)as measured by EQ-5D-5L; (c) Assess the effect of Formula IX 9 mg and 18mg on circulating tumor cells (CTCs); (d) Assess the impact of durationof prior CB on outcome; (e) Assess the impact of time from diagnosis ofmetastases to randomization on outcome; (f) Describe the effect ofFormula IX 9 mg and 18 mg on tumor volumetrics; (g) Assess the effect ofplasma concentrations of Formula IX and Formula IX glucuronide on CBR at24 weeks.

The safety objective was to describe the safety profile of Formula IX 9mg and 18 mg PO daily in subjects with ER+/AR+ BC with centrallyconfirmed AR+ as well as in all subjects randomized and treated.

The pharmacokinetic objective: To describe the plasma concentrations ofFormula IX and Formula IX glucuronide at each of the assessed timepoints.

Formulation, Packaging, and Labelling: Formula IX 3.0 mg Softgels weresupplied as opaque, white to off-white, size 5, oval Softgel capsulescontaining 3.0 mg of Formula IX. The liquid Softgel fill was composed ofFormula IX dissolved in polyethylene glycol 400. Formula IX 3.0 mgSoftgels were packaged in blister packs. Each blister pack containedsufficient study drug for one (1) week of dosing. At randomization(Visit 2) and at Visits 3, 4, and 5), subjects were provided with acarton of study drug containing 7 blister packs, equivalent to 7 weeksof dosing. At Visits 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, in order toaccommodate the visit schedule of every 12 weeks (±7 days), the subjectsreceived two carton boxes of study drug (each containing 7 blisters) tocover study treatment for 14 weeks. Subjects were requested to bringwith them the carton box with all blister packs at every visit.

Each blister pack was comprised of an appropriate number of blisterstrips (1 blister for the 9 mg treatment arm and 2 blisters for the 18mg treatment arm) encased in a child-resistant heat-sealed card. Theblister strips were composed of a PVC/ACLAR base and an aluminumfoil/PVC/PVAC copolymer and polymethacrylate (product contact) lidding.Perforations on the back of the heat-seal card overlay the foil lidding.To remove the study drug, subjects released the appropriate perforationby depressing a release button on the inside of the card. Once released,the perforation can be removed and the study drug pushed through thefoil.

Pharmacokinetic Assessment:

Blood samples for pharmacokinetic assessment were collected at baseline(pre-dose), Visit 3 (week 6), Visit 5 (week 18), and Visit 6 (week 24).One blood sample was collected in a 6 mL K₂-ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid (EDTA) blood collection tube on each of these days. The exact time(hh:mm) and date that each blood sample was collected was recorded onthe electronic Case Repot Form. At the baseline visit, the blood samplewas collected before the subject was given their first dose of FormulaIX. At Visits 3 (week 6), 5 (week 18), and 6 (week 24), the date andapproximate time of the last dose of Formula IX prior to the bloodsample should be recorded, i.e., it should be documented whether thesubject took the previous dose that morning or the evening before.Immediately after collection, the tubes were gently inverted severaltimes to mix the anticoagulant with the blood sample.

Blood samples were kept on wet ice (ice packs in a water bath was alsoacceptable) for up to 20 minutes until processed. The plasma fractionwas separated by placing the collection tube into a centrifuge for 10minutes at 1,500×g. The plasma fraction was withdrawn by pipette anddivided into two 2 mL polypropylene transfer vials (with each tubereceiving approximately equal aliquots).

All sample collection and freezing tubes were clearly labeled in afashion which identified the subject, the study number, the visitnumber, and freezing tube aliquot letter. Labels were fixed to freezingtubes in a manner that would prevent the label from becoming detachedafter freezing. Samples were stored in a freezer at −20° C. or lower.Samples were shipped in a thermal insulated container with sufficientdry ice to assure they remain frozen.

Any remaining plasma samples after completion of the protocol outlinedpharmacokinetic analysis may be used to identify and quantify themetabolites of Formula IX.

Results

Table 13 describes a subset of the total number of patients. These werepatients that were evaluable (AR+) with measurable disease at studyentry and received palbociclib as a previous therapy.

TABLE 13 9 mg Patient ID Outcome 18 mg Patient ID Outcome 7004-81206003-8133 7019-8066 CR 7001-8001 PR 7026-8083 7001-8118 7004-81007019-8087 CR 7022-8078

According to Table 13, in the 9 mg Formula IX arm, there were 3 patientsthat previously were treated with palbociclib and failed. Among these 3patients, one patient (33%) had a complete response (CR). In the 18 mgarm, there were 6 patients that were previously treated with palbocicliband failed. Of these 6 patients, there was one CR and one PR for aresponse rate of 33%. These data support that Formula IX had activity inpatients that were resistant/non-responsive to CDK 4/6 inhibitors.

Example 33 Resensitization to CDK 4/6 Inhibitors by Formula IX (SARM) inCDK 4/6 Resistance Models

Many of the examples above cumulatively provided clinical studies andpreclinical studies with clinically relevant in vitro and in vivo modelsystems to provide strong support for the use of Formula IX in multiplescenarios of advanced ER-positive breast cancer including many models ofestrogen endocrine resistance. Further, Example 32 demonstrated thatFormula IX maintained activity in patients that wereresistant/non-responsive to the CDK 4/6 inhibitor (CDKi) palbociclib.Inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 in combination with estrogenendocrine therapy have become the standard of care for women withadvanced breast cancer and these treatment failures represent a growingunmet need.

Tissue samples from an ER-positive, PR-negative, and HER2-negative (ER⁺,PR⁻, HER2⁻) patient that progressed on (i.e., was resistant to)palbociclib were implanted into animal (NSG mice) models and grown as apatient-derived xenograft (PDX). This GAR15-13 PDX model of CDKiresistance was shown to be responsive to Formula IX (SARM) treatment(FIG. 45A). Furthermore, as anticipated based upon the patient'streatment history, they were relatively refractory to palbociclib as asingle agent (Palbo). Interestingly, when treated with both Formula IXand palbociclib (Combo), the treatments were synergistic and the tumorsbasically disappeared. Therefore, Formula IX treatment appeared tore-sensitize this tumor to a drug for which it was previously resistant.This human tumor model also had amplification of the cyclin D1(CCND1^(Amp)) gene which has been implicated as a driver of therapeuticresistance to CDKi. Again, despite this, Formula IX (SARM) is activealone or in combination and further Formula IX re-sensitized tumors topalbociclib. This is also observed in other models tested in vitroincluding a palbociclib resistant MCF-7 (MCF7 palbo^(R)) line (FIG.45B). MCF7 palbo^(R) cells (Palb^(R)) had a compensatory increase inCDK2 expression, indicative of resistance to CDK 4/6 inhibitors butmaintained expression of AR and ER comparable to the parental line (datanot shown). Lundberg, A. et al. Breast Cancer Res. 21, 34 (2019).

FIG. 45B demonstrated modest activity with either Formula IX alone(SARM) or palbociclib alone (Palbo) in Palb^(R) cells but combinationtherapy (SARM+Palbo) demonstrated synergistic activity in MCF7 palbo^(R)cells; providing another model where CDKi resistance can be overcome byFormula IX and palbociclib co-therapy. These findings that Formula IX(SARM) could restore sensitivity to a CDKi in these models of estrogenendocrine and CDKi resistance were important and unexpected findingswhich expand the scope of ER-positive breast cancers amenable totreatment with Formula IX. For example, this data supports the use ofFormula IX alone or in combination with CDKi, and even after the patienthas acquired resistance to CDKi and estrogen targeted endocrineco-therapies. For example, CDKi are approved for use with SERMs,aromatase inhibitors, and SERDs such as fulvestrant but eventualtreatment failure produces a CDKi and estrogen endocrine therapyresistant population for which few treatment options are available. Thisdata supports use of Formula IX combined with a CDKi in this population,extending the time which ER-positive advanced breast cancers can betreated with hormonal therapies and kinase therapies rather thanchemotherapies. Moreover, new evidence is provided that Formula IX canbe more effective than existing estrogen endocrine therapies (forexample, tamoxifen) or new CDKi (for example, palbociclib)standard-of-care treatments and, in the case of the latter, can becombined to unexpectedly enhance growth inhibition.

While certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, andequivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is,therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the invention.

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a selective androgen receptormodulator (SARM) compound and a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor, wherein said SARM compound is represented by a structure offormula I:

wherein X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, S, Se, PR, NO, or NR; G is O or S; T isOH, OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR; R is alkyl, haloalkyl, dihaloalkyl,trihaloalkyl, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CF₂CF₃, aryl, phenyl, halogen, alkenyl,or OH; R₁ is CH₃, CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃; R₂ is H, F, Cl,Br, I, CH₃, CF₃, OH, CN, NO₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR, alkyl, arylalkyl,OR, NH₂, NHR, N(R)₂, or SR; R₃ is H, F, Cl, Br, I, CN, NO₂, COR, COOH,CONHR, CF₃, Sn(R)₃, or R₃ together with the benzene ring to which it isattached forms a fused ring system represented by the structure:

Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR; Y is CF₃, F, Br, Cl, I, CN, orSn(R)₃; Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃, NHCOR,NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR, NHSO₂CH₃,NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R, or SR; or Q together with thebenzene ring to which it is attached is a fused ring system representedby structure A, B or C:

n is an integer of 1-4; and m is an integer of 1-3, or an opticalisomer, a racemic mixture, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, apharmaceutical product, a hydrate, an N-oxide, or a crystal thereof. 2.The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein said SARMcompound is represented by a structure of formula II:

wherein X is a bond, O, CH₂, NH, Se, PR, or NR; G is O or S; T is OH,OR, —NHCOCH₃, or NHCOR; Z is NO₂, CN, COR, COOH, or CONHR; Y is I, CF₃,Br, Cl, or Sn(R)₃; Q is CN, alkyl, halogen, N(R)₂, NHCOCH₃, NHCOCF₃,NHCOR, NHCONHR, NHCOOR, OCONHR, CONHR, NHCSCH₃, NHCSCF₃, NHCSR,NHSO₂CH₃, NHSO₂R, OR, COR, OCOR, OSO₂R, SO₂R or SR; or Q together withthe benzene ring to which it is attached is a fused ring systemrepresented by structure A, B or C:

R is a C₁-C₄ alkyl, aryl, phenyl, alkenyl, hydroxyl, a C₁-C₄ haloalkyl,halogen, or haloalkenyl; and R₁ is CH₃, CF₃, CH₂CH₃, or CF₂CF₃.
 3. Thepharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein said SARMcompound is represented by a structure of formula VIII, IX, X, XI, XII,XIII, or XIV:


4. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein saidSARM compound is represented by a structure of Formula IX,


5. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1, wherein said CDK4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib, ribociclib, lerociclib, trilaciclib, orabemaciclib.
 6. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1,wherein said CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib.
 7. The pharmaceuticalcomposition according to claim 1, wherein said composition comprises acompound of Formula IX, or an optical isomer, a racemic mixture, apharmaceutically acceptable salt, a pharmaceutical product, a hydrate,an N-oxide, or a crystal thereof, and palbociclib,


8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said composition is in theform of a pellet, a tablet, a capsule, a solution, a suspension, anemulsion, an elixir, a gel, a cream, a suppository or a parenteralformulation.
 9. A method for treating a subject suffering from breastcancer comprising administering to said subject a pharmaceuticalcomposition according to claim
 1. 10. The method according to claim 9,wherein said breast cancer is an AR-positive breast cancer, ER-positivebreast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, HER2-positive breastcancer, advanced breast cancer, refractory breast cancer, metastaticbreast cancer, or breast cancer that has failed selective estrogenreceptor modulator (SERM) (tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene),gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (goserelin), aromataseinhibitor (AI) (letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane), cyclin-dependentkinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor (palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib(Kisqali), trilaciclib, abemaciclib (Vorzenio), lerociclib), mTORinhibitor (everolimus), trastuzumab (Herceptin, ado-trastuzumabemtansine), pertuzumab (Perjeta), alpelisib (Piqray) (an inhibitor ofphosphatidylinositol-3-kinase subunit alpha (PI3Kα)), lapatinib,neratinib (Nerlynx), olaparib (Lynparza) (an inhibitor of the enzymepoly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)), bevacizumab (Avastin), and/orfulvestrant treatments.
 11. The method according to claim 9, whereinsaid breast cancer is AR-positive metastatic breast cancer orAR-positive refractory breast cancer.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein said breast cancer has failed treatmentwith a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM).
 14. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein said SERM is tamoxifen, toremifene, orraloxifene.
 15. The method according to claim 9, wherein said breastcancer has failed treatment with a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6)inhibitor.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said subject isresistant or non-responsive to the CDK 4/6 inhibitor.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 15, wherein said CDK 4/6 inhibitor is palbociclib(Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), trilaciclib, lerociclib, or abemaciclib(Vorzenio).
 18. The method according to claim 15, wherein said CDK 4/6inhibitor is palbociclib (Ibrance).
 19. The method according to claim 9,wherein said composition re-sensitizes said breast cancer to treatmentwith CDK 4/6 inhibitors.
 20. The method according to claim 9, whereinsaid composition overcomes estrogen endocrine resistance.
 21. The methodaccording to claim 20, wherein said composition overcomes resistance toestrogen endocrine and CDK 4/6 inhibitor co-therapy.
 22. The methodaccording to claim 21, wherein said estrogen endocrine therapy includesat least one of tamoxifen, toremifene, raloxifene, exemestane,letrozole, anastrozole, and fulvestrant.
 23. The method according toclaim 21, wherein said CDK 4/6 inhibitor is at least one of palbociclib(Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), trilaciclib, lerociclib, andabemaciclib (Vorzenio).
 24. The method according to claim 9, whereinsaid breast cancer has failed treatment with an mTOR inhibitor.
 25. Themethod according to claim 24, wherein said mTOR inhibitor is everolimus,sirolimus, temsirolimus, or ridafarolimus.
 26. The method according toclaim 10, wherein said ER-positive breast cancer is AR-positive andER-positive breast cancer, or AR-negative and ER-positive breast cancer.27. The method according to claim 10, wherein said AR-positive breastcancer is ER-negative; ER-negative, PR-negative, and HER2-negative;ER-negative, PR-negative, and HER2-positive; ER-negative, PR-positive,and HER2-negative; ER-negative, PR-positive, and HER2-positive;ER-positive, PR-negative, and HER2-negative; ER-positive, PR-positive,and HER2-negative; ER-positive, PR-negative, and HER2-positive; orER-positive, PR-positive, and HER2-positive.
 28. The method according toclaim 9, wherein said method further prolongs the survival of thesubject suffering from breast cancer or prolongs the progression-freesurvival of the subject suffering from breast cancer.
 29. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein said composition is administeredintravenously, intraarterially, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, orally,or topically.
 30. The method according to claim 9, wherein saidselective androgen receptor modulator is dosed from 1 mg to 50 mg perday.
 31. The method according to claim 9, wherein said selectiveandrogen receptor modulator is dosed at 9 mg per day.
 32. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein said selective androgen receptor modulatoris dosed at 18 mg per day.